
🌶️ Mexican Green Chile Posole (Pozole Verde de Puerco)
A comforting, soul-warming Mexican stew made with tender pork, hominy, and roasted green chiles simmered to perfection. Posole Verde (or “green pozole”) is a delicious variation of the traditional red posole, bringing vibrant flavors and earthy green chile heat to your bowl. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday, feeding a crowd, or just craving something hearty, this dish hits all the right notes.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic flavor with minimal fuss
- Customizable spice level (mild to fiery!)
- Perfect for meal prep or large gatherings
- Naturally gluten-free and hearty enough to be a full meal
đź›’ Ingredients
For the Posole:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder (or pork stew meat), cut into chunks
- 1½ cups dried hominy (or 2–3 cans hominy, drained & rinsed)
- 1 medium onion, quartered
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 roasted poblano peppers (or canned green chiles), chopped
- 2–3 medium tomatoes, chopped
- 2–3 green chiles (fresh or canned), chopped (optional – for extra spice)
- 1–2 dried bay leaves
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 6 cups chicken broth (or water)
For Garnish & Serving:
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Lime wedges
- Sliced radishes (optional)
- Warm tortillas or crusty bread
🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pork
- In a large pot or slow cooker, place the pork chunks, onion, garlic, bay leaves, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in chicken broth (or water) to fully cover the meat.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover:
- On stovetop: Simmer for 2–3 hours, until the pork is tender.
- In slow cooker: Cook on LOW for 6–7 hours.
- Once cooked, shred the pork into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Remove bay leaves.
Step 2: Prepare the Hominy and Chiles
- Dried Hominy: If using, cook according to package instructions until tender (this can take 1–2 hours, so plan ahead).
- Canned Hominy: Just drain and rinse before using.
- Roast the Poblanos (if using fresh):
- Roast over open flame or under a broiler until blistered and blackened.
- Place in a covered bowl or bag to steam 10 minutes.
- Peel off skin, remove seeds, and chop.
Step 3: Simmer the Posole
- Add the hominy, roasted poblanos, green chiles, and chopped tomatoes to the pot with shredded pork.
- Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes to 1 hour to meld flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning—add more salt, pepper, or cumin if needed.
- Add water or broth as needed to maintain a stew-like consistency.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Ladle the hot posole into bowls.
- Top with fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, and lime wedges for brightness.
- Serve with warm tortillas, crusty bread, or even tortilla chips.
🌟 Pro Tips & Variations
- Spicier Posole? Add jalapeños, serranos, or a splash of green hot sauce.
- For Smokiness: Add a dash of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the broth.
- Thick Broth? Mash some hominy and stir it back in to thicken the stew naturally.
- Make Ahead: The flavors deepen after a day in the fridge—perfect for leftovers!
âť“ FAQ
Can I use chicken instead of pork?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken or poached chicken thighs make a lighter but still delicious version.
What’s the difference between green and red posole?
Green posole uses roasted green chiles, tomatillos, or fresh herbs for a zesty flavor, while red posole uses dried red chiles (like guajillo or ancho) for deep, smoky warmth.
Is hominy the same as corn?
Not exactly. Hominy is field corn that’s been treated with alkali (nixtamalization), which gives it a puffy texture and unique taste.
🔢 Nutrition Info (per serving, approx.)
Nutrient | Per Serving (1.5 cups) |
---|---|
Calories | ~400–450 kcal |
Protein | ~30g |
Carbs | ~25g |
Fat | ~20g |
Fiber | ~5g |
Sodium | ~800mg (varies) |
🥄 What to Serve With Posole Verde
- Warm corn or flour tortillas
- Crusty bread or bolillos
- Simple avocado salad
- Pickled onions or jalapeños
đź§Š Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight container up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Simmer gently on the stove or microwave in intervals, stirring often.
Final Thoughts
This Mexican Green Chile Posole brings bold, traditional flavors to your table with minimal effort. Whether you’re a posole pro or making it for the first time, this version is simple, flexible, and deeply satisfying. Perfect for cool evenings, family dinners, or anytime you want something cozy and full of flavor.
Buen provecho! 🇲🇽🍲