Are you looking for a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening? Look no further than this easy crock pot posole recipe! This traditional Mexican stew is packed with flavor and incredibly satisfying. The beauty of making posole in a slow cooker is that it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of taste that's hard to achieve with quicker cooking methods. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this authentic and easy-to-make dish! This healthy meal is also perfect for a quick dinner, making it one of the best recipes for busy weeknights.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can hominy, drained and rinsed (or 3 cups dried hominy, prepared according to package directions)
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for garnish
- Optional toppings: shredded lettuce, diced avocado, radishes, crumbled cotija cheese
Instructions:
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Sear the Pork: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the pork cubes in batches. This step is crucial for adding depth of flavor to your posole. Don't overcrowd the pan; work in smaller batches to ensure proper browning. Set the browned pork aside.
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Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
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Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker. Add the browned pork, crushed tomatoes, hominy, chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
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Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 8-10 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds.
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Shred the Pork: Once the pork is cooked through, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
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Serve: Ladle the posole into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and your favorite toppings.
Tips for the Best Posole:
- For a richer flavor: Use bone-in pork shoulder. The bone marrow adds incredible depth and richness to the broth.
- Adjust the spice level: Start with less cayenne pepper and add more to taste. If you prefer a milder posole, you can omit it altogether.
- Don't overcook the hominy: Overcooked hominy can become mushy. If using dried hominy, follow the package instructions carefully.
- Make it ahead: Posole tastes even better the next day! It's a great make-ahead dish for busy weeknights or parties.
Variations:
- Chicken Posole: Substitute 2 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts for the pork. Reduce the cooking time accordingly.
- Vegetarian Posole: Omit the meat and add 1 (15 ounce) can of pinto beans or other beans of your choice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 20-25g
Enjoy your delicious and easy crock pot posole! This homemade recipe is sure to become a family favorite. It's a perfect example of delicious dishes that are both healthy and satisfying. Remember to share your culinary creations with us!