Pozole: A Traditional Mexican Stew with a Rich History

Pozole is a traditional Mexican stew that is made with hominy, meat, and a variety of spices. It is a hearty and flavorful dish that is often served as a main course.

The history of pozole dates back to the pre-Columbian era. The Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures made a dish called “tlaloctle” that was made with hominy, meat, and chili peppers. Tlaloctle was a sacred dish that was only served on special occasions.

After the Spanish conquest of Mexico, pozole was modified to include pork instead of human flesh. The dish also became more widely available, as it was no longer reserved for special occasions.

Today, pozole is a popular dish throughout Mexico. There are many different variations of pozole, but the most common types are made with pork, chicken, or turkey. Pozole can also be made with different types of chili peppers, which gives the dish its distinctive flavor.

Here is a recipe for a traditional pozole:

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dried hominy
• 1 pound pork shoulder, cut into chunks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 5 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Toppings: shredded cabbage, radishes, avocado, lime wedges, salsa

Instructions:

1. Rinse the hominy and drain.
2. In a large pot, combine the hominy, pork, onion, garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 2 hours, or until the pork is tender.
4. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the flavors have melded.
5. Serve with your favorite toppings.

Pozole is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a cold winter day. It is also a great way to use up leftover pork. So next time you have some pork on hand, be sure to try making pozole!

Here are some additional facts about pozole:

• The name “pozole” comes from the Nahuatl word “pozolli”, which means “foamy”.
• Pozole is traditionally served on special occasions, such as New Year’s Day, Day of the Dead, and Cinco de Mayo.
• There are many different variations of pozole, but the most common types are made with pork, chicken, or turkey.
• Pozole can be made with different types of chili peppers, which gives the dish its distinctive flavor.
• Pozole is a great source of protein and fiber.
• Pozole is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a soup.