Pozole is a stew that dates back to pre-Columbian times, made by the Aztecs. To them, the corn was sacred and prepared in a ritualistic way. Nowadays, the corn is represented in the form of hominy, or dried maize kernels that have been treated with an alkali (ionic salt). This stew is made with aromatic ingredients including poblano chilies, garlic, onion, and oregano. The recipe uses pork but this stew can be made with chicken or beef. The garnish of fresh slices of avocado is the finishing touch to a rich and flavorful meal.
Pork Pozole with Avocado, Lime, and Cilantro
Ingredients:
1 1/2 pounds
pork (any cut)
Directions:
Season pork with
salt and pepper and
roast in a 350 degree oven until done (exact time will depend on
cut and weight). Once done, remove from oven and set aside to
cool enough to pull meat from
bone or to
cut into 1-inch pieces.
Preheat broiler. Once hot, broil poblanos (or Hatch peppers) on a
baking sheet until black,
turning as needed to blacken all sides.
Mince garlic and
cut onion into chunks.
Mix the two together in a bowl and set aside.
Drain hominy and set aside.
Add oil to
skillet and saute onions over medium-high until softened. Add oregano and
ground chilies and cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
Remove the stems,
skins and
seeds from the poblanos and discard.
Chop the peppers.
Stir the poblanos into the posole and cook another 5-10 minutes.