Mushroom Poblano Posole Verde is a bold, comforting, and deeply flavorful plant-based twist on the traditional Mexican soup. Featuring earthy mushrooms, fire-roasted poblanos, and hominy simmered in a vibrant green broth made with tomatillos and herbs, this soup is both hearty and refreshing—perfect for any season.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This posole verde is rich in flavor, easy to make, and full of nourishing ingredients. It’s naturally vegan and gluten-free, and it makes a great alternative to meat-heavy versions while still delivering depth and satisfaction.
- Bursting with authentic Mexican flavor
- Plant-based and gluten-free
- Great for feeding a crowd
- Freezer-friendly and excellent for leftovers
- Customizable with all your favorite toppings
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Poblano peppers
- Tomatillos, husked and rinsed
- White onion, chopped
- Garlic cloves
- Fresh cilantro
- Cremini or button mushrooms, sliced
- Hominy (canned or cooked)
- Vegetable broth
- Olive oil
- Cumin
- Oregano (Mexican oregano if available)
- Salt and black pepper
- Lime juice (for brightness)
- Toppings: sliced radish, shredded cabbage, avocado, tortilla strips, chopped onion, cilantro, lime wedges
directions
- Preheat the oven broiler. Place the poblano peppers and tomatillos on a baking sheet and broil for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until charred and soft. Let cool slightly, then remove stems and seeds from the poblanos.
- In a blender, combine the roasted poblanos, tomatillos, garlic, cilantro, and half of the chopped onion. Blend until smooth.
- In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes.
- Add mushrooms, season with salt, and sauté until they release their moisture and start to brown, about 5–6 minutes.
- Stir in cumin and oregano, cooking for another minute.
- Pour in the blended verde mixture and cook for 2–3 minutes to bring the flavors together.
- Add the hominy and vegetable broth. Stir well, bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20–25 minutes.
- Stir in lime juice and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Variations
- Add Greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or chard for extra nutrients.
- Spicy Kick: Add jalapeños or serrano peppers to the verde blend for more heat.
- With Protein: Add beans, tofu, or shredded jackfruit for additional heartiness.
- Roasted Veggie Version: Add roasted zucchini, sweet potato, or corn.
- Slow Cooker Method: Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave individual portions for 2–3 minutes.
This soup freezes well—store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs
What is posole?
Posole (or pozole) is a traditional Mexican soup or stew made with hominy and typically pork or chicken, though plant-based versions like this are popular too.
Can I use canned tomatillos?
Yes, canned tomatillos can be used in a pinch—drain before blending.
What mushrooms work best?
Cremini, button, or even oyster mushrooms are great for their texture and flavor.
Is this soup spicy?
It’s mild to moderately spicy, depending on your poblanos. Add chilies if you want more heat.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely—the flavors get even better after a day in the fridge.
Is it gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.
What is hominy?
Hominy is dried corn that’s been treated with an alkali to make it puffy and chewy—it’s essential to posole.
Can I roast the veggies in a skillet instead of the oven?
Yes, just char the poblanos and tomatillos in a dry skillet until blistered.
What toppings are traditional?
Cabbage, radish, lime, onion, cilantro, avocado, and tortilla chips are all classic options.
Can I blend the mushrooms into the broth?
For a smoother soup, yes—but leaving them whole adds a nice meaty texture.
Conclusion
Mushroom Poblano Posole Verde is a soul-satisfying bowl that combines bold flavors, wholesome ingredients, and comforting textures. It’s a celebration of traditional Mexican cooking with a plant-based twist that everyone will love. Serve it up with toppings galore and enjoy a meal that’s both hearty and refreshing.
Print
Mushroom Poblano Posole Verde
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Soup
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Description
This cozy, veggie-packed soup features hearty mushrooms, nutty hominy, and a vibrant green chile broth made with tomatillos, poblanos, and cilantro. It’s a flavorful, plant-based twist on a Mexican classic — perfect for chilly nights or when you’re craving a bowl of something deeply satisfying and bright.
Ingredients
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1 1/2 lbs tomatillos, husked and rinsed
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2 poblano peppers, seeds removed and chopped
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1 jalapeño pepper (optional, for heat)
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1/2 cup fresh cilantro
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 medium white onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 lb cremini or baby bella mushrooms, sliced
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1 teaspoon ground cumin
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1 teaspoon dried oregano (preferably Mexican oregano)
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1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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2 (15 oz) cans white hominy, drained and rinsed
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4 cups vegetable broth
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Juice of 1 lime
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Optional: additional broth or water to thin, if needed
Toppings (optional):
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Shredded cabbage or lettuce
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Thinly sliced radishes
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Diced avocado
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Extra chopped cilantro
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Lime wedges
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Tortilla chips or strips
Instructions
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Make the green sauce:
Boil tomatillos in a pot of water for 8–10 minutes until soft. Drain and transfer to a blender with poblanos, jalapeño (if using), and cilantro. Blend until smooth and set aside. -
Sauté the aromatics:
In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook 1 more minute until fragrant. -
Cook the mushrooms:
Add mushrooms to the pot and sauté 8–10 minutes, until they release moisture and begin to brown. -
Build the soup:
Stir in cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour in the blended green sauce. Cook for 5 minutes to let flavors develop. -
Simmer:
Add hominy and broth. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 15–20 minutes, uncovered. Stir in lime juice. Adjust salt and add more broth or water if soup is too thick. -
Serve:
Ladle into bowls and top with cabbage, radishes, avocado, cilantro, or tortilla chips as desired.
Notes
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Want more heat? Leave seeds in the jalapeño or add a serrano pepper.
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No hominy? Use canned corn or white beans as a substitute.
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This soup stores beautifully and tastes even better the next day.