Hearty Barley and Hominy Pozole
Savor the rich flavors of this Hearty Barley and Hominy Pozole, a Mexican-inspired dish that blends the nutty warmth of pearl barley with the distinctive taste of hominy, all enveloped in a savory broth seasoned with fresh chilies and salsa verde. This comforting soup is perfect for gatherings and can be served as a filling meal on chilly days. Plus, it's easily customizable with toppings like shredded cheese and green onions for added flavor and texture. Enjoy a bowl of this delightful pozole and share it with friends and family!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
2 (teaspoons)
chopped onion
1 (cup)
fresh anaheim chilies
4 (seeded, deveined, and chopped)
fresh jalapeno chiles
4 (seeded, deveined, and chopped)
chicken broth
8 (cups, divided)
pearl barley
1 (cup)
hominy
29 (ounce can, drained and rinsed)
salsa verde
14 (ounces (2 containers))
ground cumin
1/2 (teaspoon)
shredded cheddar cheese
to taste (for garnish (optional))
finely chopped green onion
to taste (for garnish (optional))
Instructions
1
In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering.
2
Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until it becomes translucent and fragrant.
3
Stir in the chopped anaheim and jalapeño chiles, cooking for an additional 5 minutes while stirring occasionally to soften the peppers.
4
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and introduce the pearl barley to the pot.
5
Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil and then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes.
6
After 30 minutes, stir in the remaining 4 cups of chicken broth, drained and rinsed hominy, salsa verde, and ground cumin.
7
Continue cooking for another 20 minutes until the barley is tender and the flavors meld together.
8
Remove from heat and ladle the pozole into individual bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped green onions if desired.
9
Serve hot and enjoy this wholesome, hearty dish!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Barley and Hominy Pozole?
It is a Mexican-inspired soup that combines pearl barley, hominy, and fresh chilies in a savory salsa verde broth.
What are the main ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients are pearl barley, canned hominy, chicken broth, salsa verde, Anaheim chilies, and jalapeños.
How long does the pearl barley take to cook?
The barley is simmered for a total of 50 minutes: 30 minutes initially and then another 20 minutes with the remaining ingredients.
Is this Hearty Barley and Hominy Pozole spicy?
It has a moderate heat level due to the use of four Anaheim chilies and four jalapeño chiles.
Can I make this pozole vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this dish vegetarian by substituting the chicken broth with vegetable broth.
What is hominy?
Hominy is corn that has been treated with an alkali, resulting in large, chewy kernels that are a staple in traditional pozole.
What type of chilies should I use?
This recipe calls for fresh Anaheim chilies and fresh jalapeño chiles, both seeded and deveined.
How much broth is needed for the recipe?
A total of 8 cups of chicken broth is used, divided into two additions of 4 cups each.
Can I use quick barley instead of pearl barley?
Pearl barley is recommended for its texture; if using quick barley, you would need to significantly reduce the simmering time.
What kind of salsa verde is used?
The recipe calls for 14 ounces of salsa verde, which can be found in most grocery stores in jars or containers.
Do I need to rinse the hominy?
Yes, the instructions specify that the canned hominy should be drained and rinsed before being added to the pot.
What toppings are recommended for this pozole?
Shredded cheddar cheese and finely chopped green onions are the recommended garnishes for this dish.
What is the total cooking time?
The total active cooking and simmering time is approximately 60 to 70 minutes.
Can I add meat to this recipe?
Yes, cooked shredded chicken or pork would be a delicious addition to this hearty barley soup.
How do I prepare the fresh chilies?
The chilies should be seeded, deveined, and chopped before being sautéed with the onions.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
No, pearl barley contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, you would need to substitute barley with a gluten-free grain like rice or quinoa.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, this pozole freezes well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
What is the purpose of ground cumin in this dish?
Ground cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor that complements the chilies and the salsa verde.
Can I use a different oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, any neutral oil like vegetable or avocado oil can be used to sauté the onions and peppers.
What if I cannot find Anaheim chilies?
Poblano peppers are a good substitute for Anaheim chilies as they offer a similar mild heat and flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
While not explicitly stated, the 8 cups of broth and large amount of grains suggest it serves about 6 to 8 people.
Do I need to soak the pearl barley?
No, soaking is not necessary for pearl barley in this recipe as it cooks directly in the broth.
Can I use canned chilies instead of fresh?
Fresh chilies are preferred for texture, but canned diced green chilies can be used in a pinch.
What is the best way to reheat the soup?
Reheat the soup on the stovetop over medium heat until hot, adding a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.
How should I store the green onion garnish?
Keep the green onions separate and add them only when serving to maintain their fresh crunch.
Is this a traditional Mexican pozole?
This is a modern, Mexican-inspired twist that uses barley as a healthy grain addition alongside the traditional hominy.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can sauté the vegetables first and then combine all ingredients in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours.
What does the salsa verde add to the recipe?
Salsa verde provides acidity and a bright tomatillo flavor that balances the richness of the barley and hominy.
Is the onion sautéed before adding broth?
Yes, the onion is sautéed in olive oil for about 5 minutes until translucent before the chilies and broth are added.
Can I use mild salsa verde if I don't like heat?
Yes, using a mild salsa verde and reducing the number of jalapeños will make the dish much milder.