Red Posole with Pork

A hearty Mexican soup made with tender pork shoulder, hominy, and a rich chile-based broth. This traditional posole rojo is garnished with fresh vegetables and served with lime wedges for a bright, satisfying meal.

8 servings
4 hr 25 min

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds pork shoulder (Boston butt)
  • 1 whole large white onion, halved through root end, plus chopped for serving
  • 2 heads heads of garlic, halved crosswise
  • 1 whole bay leaf
  • 3 whole whole cloves
  • 10 whole guajillo chiles, ribs and seeds removed
  • 6 whole dried chiles de árbol, ribs and seeds removed
  • 1 to taste Kosher salt
  • 3 cans (15-ounce) cans white hominy, rinsed
  • 2 cups Thinly sliced cabbage
  • 1 cup thinly sliced radishes
  • 2 tablespoons dried oregano
  • 2 whole and lime wedges (for serving)

Cooking Instructions

  1. 1.

    Place pork shoulder, onion halves, garlic, bay leaf, and cloves in a large pot. Pour in 14 cups water (pork should be submerged). Bring to a simmer and cook, skimming as needed and turning pork occasionally, until meat is cooked through and tender but not yet falling apart, 2 1/2-3 hours. Transfer pork to a plate; let cool slightly. Strain broth into a large bowl, then transfer back to pot. Slice pork into 1/2" slices and add to broth.

    180 min

  2. 2.

    Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°F. Toast all the chiles on a rimmed baking sheet until brown (do not char) and starting to lightly puff in places, about 5 minutes. Bring 3 cups water to a boil in a medium saucepan; add chiles. Remove from heat and let chiles soak until softened, 10-12 minutes. Blend chiles and cooking liquid in a blender until smooth; season with salt.

    20 min

  3. 3.

    Add chile purée to pork and broth. Bring to a simmer, add hominy, and cook, skimming off fat from surface, until pork is so tender it's nearly falling apart, 45-60 minutes; season with more salt.

    60 min

  4. 4.

    Divide posole among bowls, top with onion, cabbage, radishes, and oregano. Serve with lime wedges.

    5 min

  5. 5.

    Posole can be made 3 days ahead. Let cool; cover and chill.