A hearty and flavorful Mexican soup made with pork, samp, and a variety of garnishes.

Pork Pozole recipe
Prep Time
20min
Cook Time
1hr 0min
Total Time
1hr 20min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 bowl)

Pork Soup

  • Pork neck steaks (cut into cubes)
    Pork neck steaks (cut into cubes)
    2cups
  • Onion (finely diced)
    Onion (finely diced)
    1/2cup
  • Jalapeno’s pickled (remove stems & seeds)
    Jalapeno’s pickled (remove stems & seeds)
    2piece
  • Samp (cooked & drained)
    Samp (cooked & drained)
    1cup
  • Garlic (minced)
    Garlic (minced)
    3clove
  • Bay leaves
    Bay leaves
    2piece
  • Ground cumin
    Ground cumin
    3tsp
  • Oregano (fresh)
    Oregano (fresh)
    1tbsp
  • Tinned tomatoes (chopped)
    Tinned tomatoes (chopped)
    1can
  • Vegetable oil
    Vegetable oil
    1/2cup
  • Salt & pepper to taste
    Salt & pepper to taste

Soup Garnish

  • White cabbage (thinly shredded)
    White cabbage (thinly shredded)
    1cup
  • Avocado (cubed)
    Avocado (cubed)
    1cup
  • Radishes (thinly sliced)
    Radishes (thinly sliced)
    1/2cup
  • Lime wedges
    Lime wedges
    4piece
  • Coriander leaves (roughly chopped)
    Coriander leaves (roughly chopped)
    1/2cup
  • Nacho chips
    Nacho chips
    1cup

How to make Pork Pozole

  1. Step 1

    Heat a wok and add a little oil. Brown the pork neck cubes on all sides in batches.

  2. Step 2

    When the last batch is nearly done, add half of the minced garlic to the pan. Transfer meat to a pot with the bay leaves, add salt and pepper to taste, and cover the meat with water. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer until meat is tender.

  3. Step 3

    Heat a medium saucepan and add vegetable oil. Add the chopped onions and sauté until golden brown.

  4. Step 4

    Add the jalapenos and the rest of the garlic. Add the cumin powder and oregano.

  5. Step 5

    Add the chopped tomatoes, salt, and pepper to taste. Simmer until the sauce has cooked through, then blend with a stick blender.

  6. Step 6

    When the meat is tender, add the tomato chili sauce to the meat and stock pot, as well as the samp. Simmer until all the flavors have infused. The soup will reduce a bit but it will still be a thin broth.

  7. Step 7

    Serve into soup bowls and place a bit of each garnish on top just before serving. Keep the nacho chips on the side.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

537.5kcal (26.88%)

Protein

30.0g (60%)

Carbs

45.0g (16.36%)

Sugars

3.8g (7.5%)

Healthy Fat

20.1g

Unhealthy Fat

7.5g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. For a spicier soup, leave the seeds in the jalapenos.

  2. You can substitute pork neck steaks with pork shoulder if preferred.

FAQS

  1. What is the best way to cook pork for Pozole to ensure it's tender?

    To ensure the pork is tender in your Pozole, brown the pork neck cubes in batches and then simmer them in water with bay leaves until they are fully cooked and tender. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld and the meat to become soft.

  2. Can I make a vegetarian version of Pork Pozole?

    Yes, you can create a vegetarian version of Pozole by substituting the pork with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or jackfruit, and using vegetable broth instead of meat stock. You can also add more beans or lentils for protein.

  3. How should I store leftover Pork Pozole?

    Store leftover Pork Pozole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

  4. What are some good garnishes to pair with Pork Pozole?

    Some excellent garnishes for Pork Pozole include thinly shredded white cabbage, cubed avocado, sliced radishes, fresh coriander leaves, lime wedges, and crunchy nacho chips. These toppings add freshness and texture to the dish.

  5. What can I use instead of samp in my Pozole recipe?

    If you can't find samp, you can substitute it with hominy, which is a common ingredient in Pozole. Alternatively, you can use cooked corn or even quinoa for a different texture while still maintaining a hearty soup.

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Anna Middleton

(@chefanna)

I have been a professional South African chef for 18 years, now teaching kids & adults how to cook by using their instincts. I...

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