Are you looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that's also easy to make? Look no further than this hearty crock-pot posole recipe! This traditional Mexican stew is packed with flavor and nutrients, perfect for a chilly evening or a comforting weekend dinner. The beauty of using a slow cooker is that it allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a depth of taste you won't find in quicker methods. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is easily adaptable to your dietary needs. Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups hominy, drained and rinsed (canned or dried)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chopped cilantro, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, avocado, radishes
Instructions:
Step 1: Browning the Pork (Optional but Recommended)
For a richer flavor, start by browning the pork cubes in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor to the final dish. Once browned, set the pork aside.
Step 2: Slow Cooker Magic
Place the browned pork (or un-browned pork) into your crock-pot. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, chicken broth, hominy, oregano, cumin, chili powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Season generously with salt and pepper.
Step 3: Slow Cooking Perfection
Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
Step 4: Shred and Simmer
Once the pork is cooked through, remove it from the crock-pot and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the crock-pot and stir to combine with the broth and hominy. Allow to simmer for another 15-20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges. Offer your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, avocado slices, and diced radishes for guests to customize their bowls.
Tips and Variations:
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to control the heat level. For a smoky flavor, add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
- Vegetarian Posole: Substitute the pork with 2 cups of cooked and drained pinto beans or other hearty beans for a delicious vegetarian version.
- Bone-in Pork: Using bone-in pork shoulder will result in a richer, more flavorful broth. Just be sure to increase the cooking time.
- Make it ahead: Posole tastes even better the next day! Make it ahead of time and reheat it gently before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30-35g
- Fat: Approximately 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
This crock-pot posole recipe is a fantastic example of easy recipes and healthy meals that are also delicious dishes. It’s perfect for homemade cooking and makes a wonderful quick dinner idea. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal! It's sure to become a family favorite.