Smoky Pork Posole

Smoky Pork Posole is a bold and comforting Mexican stew made with tender chunks of pork, fire-roasted tomatoes, dried chiles, and hominy. With its smoky, spicy broth and rich depth of flavor, this dish is ideal for cozy dinners, casual gatherings, or whenever you want to experience traditional Mexican soul food at its best.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe delivers complex flavor with surprisingly simple ingredients. The use of dried guajillo and ancho chiles, along with chipotle, gives the broth a beautifully smoky backbone. It’s a hearty, one-pot meal that’s naturally gluten-free and great for feeding a crowd. Serve it with traditional garnishes, and it becomes as customizable as it is satisfying.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Pork shoulder, cut into 1–2 inch chunks
• Olive oil
• Onion, chopped
• Garlic, minced
• Ground cumin
• Dried oregano
• Bay leaf
• Chicken broth
• Dried guajillo chiles
• Dried ancho chiles
• Chipotle pepper in adobo
• Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• Canned white hominy, drained and rinsed
• Salt and black pepper

For Serving:

• Lime wedges
• Fresh cilantro
• Thinly sliced radishes
• Shredded cabbage or lettuce
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips or tostadas

Directions

this recipe

1. Soften the Chiles: Toast guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet until fragrant. Soak in hot water for 10–15 minutes until soft.
2. Make the Chile Puree: Drain the chiles and blend with the chipotle pepper, tomatoes, and a little broth until smooth.
3. Sear the Pork: In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil and brown the pork on all sides. Remove and set aside.
4. Cook Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté onions until soft. Add garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaf; cook 1 minute more.
5. Simmer the Stew: Return pork to the pot. Add the chile puree and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, reduce to a simmer, and cook covered for 1.5–2 hours, until pork is tender.
6. Add Hominy: Stir in the drained hominy and simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like lime, radishes, and cilantro.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Posole: Use boneless chicken thighs for a lighter version.
• Vegetarian: Replace meat with mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
• Green Posole: Swap red chiles for tomatillos and green chiles for a fresh, tangy variation.
• Extra-Spicy: Add an extra chipotle or some jalapeño slices to the chile puree.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or water if needed.

FAQs

What is hominy?

Hominy is dried corn that’s been treated with an alkali to remove the hull. It’s soft, chewy, and adds a signature texture to posole.

Can I use a slow cooker?

Yes! After searing the pork and preparing the chile puree, combine everything in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6–8 hours.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes, it actually tastes better the next day as the flavors develop even more.

Do I need to toast the dried chiles?

Yes, toasting enhances their aroma and deepens the flavor of the broth.

What kind of pork should I use?

Pork shoulder or pork butt is best due to its marbling and tenderness after long cooking.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, naturally—but double check your broth and canned ingredients to be sure.

Can I skip the chipotle?

You can, but it adds a nice smoky heat. Substitute with smoked paprika if needed.

How thick should the broth be?

It should be hearty but still soupy. Simmer longer uncovered if you want to reduce it.

What can I serve with posole?

Warm tortillas, tostadas, or a simple green salad pair well with this dish.

Can I add beans?

Yes, black or pinto beans can be added for extra heartiness.

Conclusion

Smoky Pork Posole is a soul-warming stew that showcases the rich flavors of traditional Mexican cooking. With its smoky broth, tender pork, and chewy hominy, it’s a comforting meal perfect for cooler nights or anytime you want a bowl of bold, layered flavor. Top it with crisp, fresh garnishes and make it your own. Once you try it, it’s sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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