Hey y’all! If you’re searching for a hearty, flavorful soup that warms the soul and brings everyone together, Pork Pozole Verde is just the ticket. This vibrant Mexican stew is brimming with tender pork, hominy, and a zesty green salsa that adds a refreshing twist to every spoonful. Whether you’re hosting a big family gathering or just craving comfort food, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Pork Pozole Verde
- Bright, tangy flavors from tomatillos and green chiles make every bite irresistible.
- Tender, juicy chunks of pork add satisfying richness and depth.
- Perfect for feeding a crowd and ideal for leftovers.
- Customizable toppings let everyone make their bowl just how they like it.
- Hearty yet fresh, making it perfect for any season!
Ingredients for Pork Pozole Verde
- 2 lbs boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 8 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 lbs tomatillos, husked and quartered
- 2 poblano peppers, seeded and roughly chopped
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 large white onion, quartered
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 1 tablespoon dried Mexican oregano
- 2 (29 oz) cans hominy, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (vegetable or canola)
- Lime wedges, sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, diced avocado, chopped onion, and extra cilantro (for serving)
Pork Pozole Verde Recipe: Step-by-Step Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork
In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, add the pork cubes, chicken broth, salt, pepper, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Skim off any foam, cover, and cook for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until pork is fork-tender.
Step 2: Make the Verde Salsa
While pork is simmering, combine tomatillos, poblano peppers, jalapeños, onion, and garlic in a large pot. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, then drain and blend with fresh cilantro and oregano until smooth.
Step 3: Sauté the Salsa
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high. Pour in the salsa and cook, stirring frequently, for 8-10 minutes until thickened and fragrant.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Add the sautéed salsa and drained hominy to the pork pot. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 5: Serve
Ladle Pork Pozole Verde into bowls and let everyone top theirs with lime wedges, radishes, cabbage, avocado, onion, and cilantro.
Notes for Perfect Pork Pozole Verde
- Roast the tomatillos and peppers for extra smoky flavor—a tip explained in Serious Eats’ Pozole Verde guide.
- If you like it spicier, leave the seeds in the jalapeños.
- For a shortcut, you can use store-bought salsa verde, but homemade is always best!
Pork Pozole Verde Variations
- Chicken Pozole Verde: Swap pork for shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter option.
- Vegetarian Pozole: Replace pork with mushrooms or jackfruit and use vegetable broth.
- Red Pozole: Substitute the green salsa with chile guajillo or ancho-based red sauce for a traditional rojo version.
Required Equipment for Pork Pozole Verde
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed soup pot
- Blender or food processor
- Colander
- Knife and cutting board
- Large skillet
Pork Pozole Verde Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Pork Pozole Verde
- Enjoy with warm corn tortillas or crusty bread for dipping.
- Pair with a zingy Mexican lager or a light, citrusy margarita.
- Serve alongside Mexican rice or a crisp green salad for a full meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Pork Pozole Verde
- Use fresh hominy for even better texture, if available—learn more about hominy here.
- For extra depth, add a smoked ham hock or bacon to the broth while simmering.
- Let the soup rest for 30 minutes before serving; flavors intensify as it sits. For more tips, check out Bon Appétit’s Pozole Verde article.
Pork Pozole Verde FAQ
- Can I make Pork Pozole Verde in advance?
- Absolutely! The flavors actually improve after a day in the fridge, making it a perfect make-ahead meal.
- Is Pork Pozole Verde spicy?
- It has a mild heat, but you can adjust the spice by adding or omitting jalapeño seeds.
- Can I use canned green enchilada sauce as a shortcut?
- Yes, but the flavor won’t be quite as bright as homemade salsa verde. Still a quick and tasty substitute!
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 large white onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 lbs tomatillos, husked and halved
- 2 poblano peppers, seeded and chopped
- 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 cans (15 oz each) hominy, drained and rinsed
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lime wedges, radishes, shredded cabbage, and chopped onion for garnish
Instructions
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1Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the pork shoulder cubes and brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Remove pork and set aside.
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2In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened, about 3 minutes.
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3In a blender, combine tomatillos, poblano peppers, jalapeños, and cilantro. Blend until smooth.
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4Return the pork to the pot. Pour in the tomatillo mixture, chicken broth, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 1 hour, until pork is tender.
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5Add the hominy and continue to simmer for 20-30 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.
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6Serve hot, garnished with lime wedges, sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, and chopped onion.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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