Pozole Rojo (Red Posole) Recipe

Optional: Brown the pork in a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Work in batches, not to crowd the pan.

Transfer the pork, 1 whole head of smashed garlic (no need to peel), roughly chopped white onion, and salt in a large pot. Cover with 4 quarts of cold water (approximately 16 cups).

Bring to a boil over high heat. Once it reaches a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for approximately 2 hours.

Once the pork has finished cooking, use kitchen tongs to remove the large pork chunks to a plate or large cutting board. Shred or cut the pork into smaller, bite-size pieces.

Meanwhile, strain the homemade pork broth into a separate large stockpot or Dutch oven. Discard the garlic and onions.

As the pork simmers and cooks, start working on the chile sauce.

Remove the stems, seeds, and veins from the chilis and discard. If you are adding Arbol chilis, you may want to wear gloves or take extra care not to touch your eyes for some time after.

Transfer the chilis, garlic, and onion to a medium saucepan and cover with boiling water. Cover with a lid and allow the chilies to reconstitute for about 15 minutes. After about 15 minutes, the chilies should be soft and swelled with water.

Transfer the chilies, onion, garlic, oregano, and approximately 2 cups of soaking liquid to a large blender or food processor. Blend until smooth (about 1-2 minutes). If your sauce is quite thick, add additional soaking liquid.

Strain the pureed chili sauce through a fine-mesh strainer. You will need to use the back of a spoon or a spatula to help press it through. Gently tapping the strainer also helps.

Cook the sauce in a saucepot with 3 tablespoons of vegetable oil over low heat for 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent it from burning.

In your largest stockpot or Dutch oven combine the strained pork broth, pork, bay leaves, and drained plus rinsed hominy. Bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Stir in the red chili sauce.

Simmer for 30 minutes.

Season with additional salt, to taste.

Serve garnished with all of your favorite toppings. Enjoy!