Authentic Slow Cooker Pork Pozole
Dive into the rich and flavorful world of traditional Mexican cuisine with this Authentic Slow Cooker Pork Pozole. This beloved stew is not only a deeply rooted cultural dish that hails from the times of the Aztecs, but it also serves as a symbol of celebration and togetherness, traditionally enjoyed on festive occasions like Christmas Eve in New Mexico. With tender chunks of pork simmered to perfection alongside hominy and a blend of aromatic spices, this dish offers a warm embrace with every spoonful. Easy to prepare in a slow cooker, it's a convenient meal that brings heartfelt flavors to your table, perfect for gatherings with family and friends.
6
Servings
400
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Country-style boneless pork ribs
1 lb (cut into 1-inch squares)
Small onion
1 (diced)
Minced dried poblano chile
1 teaspoon (none)
Plum tomatoes
6 (stems removed)
White hominy
1 (15-ounce) can (drained)
Yellow hominy
1 (15-ounce) can (drained)
Chili powder
1 teaspoon (none)
Salt
1 teaspoon (none)
Thyme
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Instructions
1
Begin by heating a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the pork pieces and sauté until they are halfway cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.
2
In the same skillet, retain the rendered fat and add the diced onion. Sauté the onion until it's soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3
Transfer the sautéed onions and the partially cooked pork into the slow cooker. Add in the minced dried poblano chile, plum tomatoes, white hominy, yellow hominy, chili powder, salt, thyme, and ground cumin.
4
Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
5
Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve the pozole hot in large flat bowls, garnished with fresh cilantro. Enjoy with warm corn bread on the side, and offer avocado slices, fresh lime wedges, and hot sauce or salsa for an extra kick.
Nutrition Information
16.7g
Fat
30g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Authentic Slow Cooker Pork Pozole?
It is a traditional Mexican stew featuring tender pork and hominy, historically rooted in Aztec culture and often served during celebrations like Christmas Eve.
What cut of meat is best for this pozole?
The recipe recommends using 1 lb of country-style boneless pork ribs, cut into 1-inch squares for optimal tenderness.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
This dish should be cooked on low heat for 6 to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the pork to become tender.
Do I need to brown the pork before slow cooking?
Yes, you should sauté the pork pieces in a skillet for 5-7 minutes until they are halfway cooked before adding them to the slow cooker.
What type of hominy is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses a combination of one 15-ounce can of white hominy and one 15-ounce can of yellow hominy, both drained.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve 6 people.
What are the nutritional facts for one serving?
One serving contains approximately 400 calories, 16.7g of fat, 30g of carbohydrates, and 30g of protein.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe calls for 6 plum tomatoes with the stems removed.
Is this pozole spicy?
It has a mild to medium heat profile from the chili powder and minced dried poblano chile, but you can add hot sauce at the end for more heat.
How do I prepare the onions?
One small onion should be diced and sautéed in the rendered pork fat until soft and translucent before being added to the slow cooker.
What seasonings are included in the stew?
The seasoning blend includes chili powder, salt, thyme, ground cumin, and minced dried poblano chile.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
Serve the pozole hot in large flat bowls garnished with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, lime wedges, and a side of warm corn bread.
Can I use a different type of chile?
The recipe specifies minced dried poblano, but you can adjust based on availability, though it may alter the authentic flavor profile.
How much salt is in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of salt, though you should taste and adjust seasoning after the cooking is complete.
Does this recipe include sugar?
No, this authentic savory stew does not contain any added sugar.
What is the preparation for the pork ribs?
The boneless pork ribs should be cut into 1-inch squares to ensure they cook evenly and become tender.
Can I cook this on high heat instead of low?
While low heat for 6-8 hours is recommended for the best texture, you could potentially cook it on high for 3-4 hours, though the pork may not be as tender.
Is hominy gluten-free?
Yes, hominy is made from corn and is naturally gluten-free.
Do I need to add water or broth?
The recipe relies on the moisture from the plum tomatoes and other ingredients; no additional water or broth is specified in the primary instructions.
What is the purpose of sautéing the onion in pork fat?
Sautéing the onion in the rendered fat from the pork helps build a deep, savory flavor base for the stew.
Can I add other vegetables?
While not part of the authentic recipe, some people add radishes or cabbage as garnishes for extra crunch.
Is this a good meal for meal prepping?
Yes, pozole often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop in the refrigerator.
What does the thyme add to the dish?
Thyme provides a subtle earthy and floral note that complements the richness of the pork.
How much cumin is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin.
Are the tomatoes peeled?
The instructions only specify removing the stems; they are typically added whole or halved and break down during the slow cooking process.
Can I use canned tomatoes instead of fresh?
Fresh plum tomatoes are recommended for authenticity, but canned whole tomatoes could be used in a pinch.
What is the role of lime wedges at serving?
Fresh lime juice adds acidity that cuts through the richness of the pork and brightens the overall flavor of the stew.
Is this recipe high in protein?
Yes, with 30g of protein per serving, it is a very protein-rich meal.
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
This specific recipe is for pork pozole (Pozole Rojo style), but chicken is a common variation known as Pozole de Pollo.
Why is this dish associated with Christmas Eve?
In New Mexico and parts of Mexico, Pozole is a traditional celebratory dish because it is hearty, feeds a crowd, and has deep cultural significance.