Authentic Mexican Pozole Recipe for a Traditional Feast

This Traditional Mexican Pozole recipe makes a warm, hearty stew with roots as rich as its flavor! Originating with the Aztecs and other Mesoamerican cultures, pozole was traditionally made with hominy and shared during sacred ceremonies. Over time, it evolved into a beloved dish, blending indigenous and Spanish influences. Today, pozole is a festive favorite, bringing people together with every delicious spoonful!

Traditional Mexican Pozole

If you're craving something bold, comforting, and steeped in tradition, this authentic Mexican pozole recipe is just what you need. Pozole is a hearty stew made with hominy, tender chicken, and a deeply flavorful broth, topped with fresh garnishes like shredded cabbage, radishes, lime, and oregano. It's more than just a meal, it's a celebration.

Ingredients for Traditional Mexican Pozole.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts (or lean beef, cubed), pre-season with salt and pepper to taste, if preferred.

• 1/4 cup cilantro

• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped

• 1 large onion, chopped

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

• 1 can (15-ounce) stewed tomatoes

• 2 ounces tomato paste

• 1 can (15-ounce) hominy

How to make Traditional Mexican Pozole

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.

• Add the meat (chicken or beef) and sauté until lightly browned.

Chicken cooking in olive oil over medium heat.

Lightly browned chicken.

• Stir in the cilantro, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper.

• Add enough water to cover the meat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and cook until the meat is tender.

Chicken with cilantro, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper and added water. Cover and cook.

• Add the stewed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well and continue cooking for 20 minutes over low heat.

Tomatoes and tomato paste added to chicken mixture.

• Add the hominy and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Hominy simmering with chicken and tomato mixture.

Recipe Tip

If recipe becomes too thick, add water to reach your desired consistency. Enjoy!

THE RECIPE

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Traditional Mexican Pozole

Yield: 10

Author: Veronica Allende

Prep time: 10 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 35 Min

This authentic Mexican Pozole is a rich, savory stew made with tender pork, hominy, and a deeply flavorful red chile broth. Topped with crunchy cabbage, radishes, and fresh lime, it’s a festive, soul-warming dish perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or any chilly night when comfort food is calling.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breasts (or lean beef, cubed), pre-season with salt and pepper to taste, if preferred.
• 1/4 cup cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper
• 1 can (15-ounce) stewed tomatoes
• 2 ounces tomato paste
• 1 can (15-ounce) hominy

Instructions

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the meat (chicken or beef) and sauté until lightly browned.
3. Stir in the cilantro, garlic, onion, salt, and pepper.
4. Add enough water to cover the meat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and cook until the meat is tender.
5. Add the stewed tomatoes and tomato paste to the pot. Stir well and continue cooking for 20 minutes over low heat.
6. Add the hominy and stir to combine. Cook for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. If the stew becomes too thick, add water to reach your desired consistency. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Calories

200

Fat

3 g

Carbs

20 g

Protein

20 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the difference between red, green, and white pozole?

Red pozole uses dried red chiles like guajillo or ancho for a deep, smoky flavor. Green pozole includes tomatillos, green chiles, and herbs. White pozole skips chiles for a simpler, milder broth.

Q. Can I make pozole ahead of time?

Yes! Pozole actually tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer.

Q. What toppings go on pozole?

Common toppings include shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, diced onion, lime wedges, oregano, and sometimes avocado or tostadas on the side.

This traditional pozole recipe brings the bold, comforting flavors of Mexico right to your kitchen. Made with tender chicken, hearty hominy, and a rich red chile broth, it's a festive dish that’s perfect for sharing. Whether you're serving it for a holiday, Sunday dinner, or just a cozy night in, it’s a crowd-pleaser that tastes like home.

Meet Dr. Veronica Allende,

Founder of HealthWealth

Inspired by her Puerto Rican roots & Moroccan family, Dr. Veronica Allende blends culture, wellness & heart into every recipe. Her mission? To make healthy eating feel joyful, simple & full of meaning.

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