Pozole Rojo is a traditional Mexican soup made with hominy, meat (usually pork or chicken), and a rich red chili sauce. This hearty dish is often garnished with fresh toppings and served during celebrations and family gatherings. Its bold flavors and comforting texture make it a beloved favorite.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs pork shoulder (cut into chunks) or 2 lbs chicken thighs
• 10 cups water
• 1 onion (quartered)
• 4 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• 2 cans (15 oz each) hominy (drained and rinsed)

For the Red Sauce:

• 4-6 dried guajillo chiles (stems and seeds removed)
• 2-3 dried ancho chiles (stems and seeds removed)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)

Timing

Making the Pozole Rojo takes about 20 minutes for preparation and 2 hours for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Meat

1. Boil the Meat: In a large pot, combine the pork shoulder (or chicken) with water, onion, garlic, and salt. Bring to a boil over high heat.
2. Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and cover. Simmer for about 1.5 hours for pork or 30-40 minutes for chicken, until the meat is tender.
3. Remove and Shred: Once cooked, remove the meat from the pot, let it cool slightly, and shred it into bite-sized pieces. Strain the broth and return it to the pot.

Step 2: Make the Red Sauce

1. Soak Chiles: In a saucepan, add the dried guajillo and ancho chiles. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Remove from heat and let the chiles soak for about 15 minutes until softened.
2. Blend Sauce: Drain the chiles and transfer them to a blender. Add cumin, oregano, vegetable oil, and chicken broth. Blend until smooth, adding a little more broth or water if necessary to achieve a pourable consistency.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Add Hominy: Return the strained broth to the pot and add the drained hominy.
2. Stir in Sauce: Stir in the blended red sauce and the shredded meat. Simmer on low heat for about 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 4: Serve

1. Taste and Adjust: Taste the pozole and adjust seasoning, adding more salt if necessary.
2. Garnish and Enjoy: Serve hot in bowls, garnished with your choice of toppings such as shredded cabbage, diced radishes, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, and sliced jalapeños.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Pozole Rojo (per serving, based on 8 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	25g
Fat	10g
Carbohydrates	35g
Fiber	5g
Sugar	2g

Tips for Customization

• Meat Variations: You can also use beef or a combination of meats for different flavors.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the meat with mushrooms or tofu and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of chiles used to control the heat level.

Conclusion

Pozole Rojo is a comforting and flavorful soup that showcases the rich culinary traditions of Mexico. With its tender meat, hearty hominy, and vibrant red sauce, this dish is perfect for gatherings and family meals. Enjoy this delightful recipe!