Hearty Homemade Mexican Pozole

Discover the ultimate 30-minute Pozole recipe, a vibrant Mexican-inspired soup featuring tender hominy, succulent pulled pork, and an array of delightful toppings. While traditional Pozole recipes often require hours of simmering, this streamlined version delivers rich, authentic flavors in under half an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights without compromising on taste.

What is Pozole? A Culinary Journey

Pozole is a cherished traditional Mexican stew, often reserved for holidays and special occasions. At its heart, it’s a flavorful broth brimming with hominy (dried maize kernels that have been treated with an alkali process called nixtamalization), and typically features pork, chicken, or sometimes vegetarian options. The beauty of authentic Pozole lies in its deep, complex flavors, often achieved through long simmering times that allow the ingredients to meld beautifully. Served with a variety of fresh toppings, Pozole is more than just a soup; it’s an experience, allowing each diner to customize their bowl to perfection.

There are generally three main types of Pozole: *pozole blanco* (white), *pozole rojo* (red), and *pozole verde* (green). The color variations come from the chiles used in the broth. This quick recipe draws inspiration from the hearty red Pozole, focusing on rich flavors developed rapidly, ensuring you don’t miss out on the authentic essence even with a shorter cook time.

Why You’ll Love This 30-Minute Pozole Recipe

This lightning-fast Pozole recipe is designed for modern life, bringing the beloved flavors of Mexico straight to your table without the usual time commitment. Here’s why this recipe will become a new family favorite:

• Unbeatable Speed: Ready from start to finish in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate solution for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and flavorful but have limited time.
• Authentic Flavors, Simplified: We achieve that deep, savory Pozole taste by cleverly using pre-cooked pulled pork and expertly blending spices, creating a rich broth that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
• Customizable Fun: The array of fresh toppings is where this dish truly shines. Everyone can personalize their bowl, making it an interactive and exciting meal for all ages, especially kids!
• Hearty & Wholesome: Packed with protein from the pork, fiber from hominy and beans, and fresh vegetables from the toppings, this Pozole is a balanced and incredibly fulfilling meal.
• Family-Friendly: With its mild yet vibrant flavor profile, this Pozole is perfect for the whole family. Adjust the heat with a pinch of cayenne for the adults, or keep it mild for younger palates.

Author’s Note

The Shortcut Pozole That Still Wows!

My journey with Pozole began years ago at a friend’s family gathering. I was immediately captivated by a traditional bowl: rich, incredibly hearty, and adorned with an impressive spread of toppings. The communal aspect of building your own bowl, precisely to your liking, was a culinary revelation. The only drawback? That authentic Pozole had simmered for what felt like an entire day, a luxury I rarely have on my own bustling weeknights.

This experience sparked the inspiration for this recipe. I was determined to create a version that captured the soul-satisfying depth of flavor I loved, but could be on the table in a mere 30 minutes. The challenge was to integrate all those quintessential Pozole elements – hominy, pork, vibrant chiles, and a mountain of fresh toppings – without the extensive cook time. The brilliant shortcut that made it all possible? Utilizing high-quality pre-cooked carnitas.

The result is a Pozole that not only tastes fantastic but also fits seamlessly into a busy schedule. My kids are particularly fond of this speedy rendition, primarily because they adore the interactive element of piling on crunchy tostada shells, creamy avocado, and all their favorite delicious extras. It’s a testament that you can have deeply flavorful, satisfying Mexican cuisine even when time is of the essence.

Ingredients for a Speedy & Flavorful Pozole

Crafting a delicious Pozole in just 30 minutes means choosing your ingredients wisely. Here’s what you’ll need, along with some helpful tips and substitutions to ensure your soup is perfect every time:

Deep Dive into Key Ingredients

Understanding the role of a few core ingredients can truly elevate your Pozole experience:

• Hominy: More than just corn, hominy is plump and chewy with a unique earthy flavor that absorbs the broth beautifully. It’s what distinguishes Pozole from other Mexican stews, providing that signature texture and hearty bite. Don’t skip rinsing canned hominy to remove excess sodium.
• Pork Carnitas: This shortcut is a game-changer. Carnitas are traditionally slow-cooked, tender, and flavorful pork. Using pre-cooked carnitas means you get all that rich, savory goodness without any of the wait. Look for brands that are well-seasoned for an extra boost of flavor.
• American Chili Powder: This spice blend is fundamental to the reddish hue and mild, earthy warmth of this Pozole. It typically contains ground dried chiles, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder. Its mildness allows for a family-friendly dish, and you can always add more heat through toppings like jalapeños or a dash of cayenne.

Elevate Your Bowl: Essential Pozole Toppings

Pozole is intentionally brothy, serving as a perfect canvas for a colorful and flavorful array of toppings. These additions are not just garnishes; they provide contrasting textures, vibrant flavors, and an element of personalization that makes each bowl unique. Here’s a comprehensive list to inspire your ultimate Pozole topping bar:

• Crispy Tostada Shells: Essential for scooping up the savory broth and adding a satisfying crunch. You can buy them pre-made or easily make your own from tortillas.
• Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice is non-negotiable! It brightens the entire dish, cutting through the richness of the broth with its zesty acidity.
• Creamy Avocado or Guacamole: Adds a luxurious, creamy texture and healthy fats. Whether it’s sliced avocado or a dollop of homemade guacamole, it’s a must-have.
• Fresh Cilantro: Offers a burst of bright, citrusy freshness that complements the robust flavors of the soup. Chop it finely for the best distribution.
• Shredded Cabbage or Romaine Lettuce: Provides a crisp, refreshing crunch and a cool counterpoint to the warm soup. Green cabbage or romaine lettuce are both excellent choices.
• Thinly Sliced Radishes: These beautiful crimson slices add a peppery bite and a fantastic, vibrant crunch.
• Salsa (Red or Green): Elevate the flavor with a spoonful of your favorite salsa. Salsa Verde offers a tangy, bright kick, while a traditional red salsa adds a deeper, spicier note.
• Diced White Onions: For those who love a pungent, sharp contrast, finely diced white onions deliver a powerful flavor punch.
• Cool Sour Cream: A swirl of sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative) adds a cooling creaminess that beautifully balances the spicy and savory elements.
• Tangy Pickled Red Onions: These vibrant, tangy onions offer a delightful acidity and a pop of color. (See recipe notes for a quick homemade version!)
• Crumbled Mexican Cheese: Crumbled Cotija cheese, with its salty, firm texture, or mild, creamy Queso Fresco are both fantastic options that add a savory, authentic touch.

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5 out of 5 stars from 3 votes

Quick 30-Minute Pozole

By
Chelsea Lords

This quick 30-minute Pozole delivers all the classic flavors of hominy, pulled pork, and tasty toppings, ready in a fraction of the traditional time!

Prep Time:
10 minutes

Cook Time:
20 minutes

Total Time:
30 minutes

Servings:
6 servings

Video

A quick video demonstration for this Pozole recipe can be found on our channel. Watch here!

Equipment

• Large pot or Dutch oven

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1-1/2 cups finely diced red onion (approx. 1 large onion)
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic (approx. 4 cloves)
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons chili powder (see Note 1)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 5 tablespoons tomato paste
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 5 cups chicken stock (like Swanson’s), divided
• 1 (4-ounce) can mild diced green chiles (undrained)
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can golden hominy, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1-1/2 cups precooked shredded pork (see Note 2)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro (optional, for finishing)
• 1 lime (optional, for finishing)
• Toppings as desired (see Note 3)

Instructions

• Prepare Ingredients: Finely dice the red onion and mince the garlic. If using packaged and pre-cooked pork, remove it from its packaging, microwave for 90 seconds to warm, then set aside to cool slightly. Remove any excess fat or gristle, shred, measure out 1-1/2 cups, and set aside.
• Build the Flavor Base: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until it becomes tender and translucent, which typically takes about 5–8 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the all-purpose flour, cooking and stirring constantly for 1 minute to create a roux. Next, stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, and salt/pepper to taste (I recommend starting with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper). Add the tomato paste. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, for 3–4 more minutes until the mixture is deeply fragrant. This step is crucial for developing deep flavor; the mixture will be dry, so keep stirring to prevent burning. If it starts to stick, lower the heat slightly or add a tiny splash of water.
• Simmer the Soup: Gradually add 2 cups of chicken stock to the pot while whisking continuously. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and begins to thicken, about 3–4 minutes, and slight bubbling appears at the edges. Once thickened, stir in the undrained mild diced green chiles, the drained and rinsed golden hominy, drained and rinsed pinto beans, and the shredded pre-cooked pork. Add the bay leaf and the remaining 3 cups of chicken stock. Mix everything to combine. Increase the heat to high until the soup reaches a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the beans and pork to heat through and flavors to meld. If desired, stir in 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro and 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper to your preference; the flavor should be rich and well-balanced.
• Serve and Enjoy: While the soup simmers, prepare all your desired toppings. My personal must-haves include crunchy tostada shells, fresh lime wedges, extra cilantro, tangy pickled red onions, crumbled Cotija cheese, and plenty of ripe avocados. Once the soup is ready, remove it from the heat and ladle into individual bowls. Let everyone customize their Pozole with their favorite toppings, and enjoy immediately!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Chili Powder vs. Chilli Powder Be mindful of the type of chili powder you use. I recommend a mild American chili powder (such as McCormick), which is a blend of various spices and dried chiles, offering flavor without much heat. It is not to be confused with “chilli powder,” which often refers to pure ground hot chiles and can be very spicy.

Note 2: Pre-cooked Shredded Pork For the best flavor and efficiency, I highly recommend Del Real Foods Carnitas. To prepare, microwave according to package directions (usually 1-1/2 to 2 minutes) then shred with forks, discarding any large pieces of fat or gristle, before measuring and adding to the soup.

Note 3: Topping Ideas The more toppings, the better! Consider: crumbled Queso Fresco or Cotija cheese, bright pickled red onions, fresh chopped cilantro, diced ripe avocados, quartered limes, thinly sliced radishes, crunchy tostada shells, or tortilla chips/strips.

• Quick Pickled Red Onions: To make your own in minutes: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup (75g) thinly sliced red onion, 2 tablespoons (28g) red wine vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon fine salt, and 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar. Toss to coat thoroughly. Let it sit at room temperature, tossing every 5 minutes or so, while you prepare the rest of your soup. They’ll be perfectly tangy and ready to serve!

Storage: This soup stores well! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze Pozole (without toppings) for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving:
1
serving
|

Calories:
347
kcal
|

Carbohydrates:
49
g
|

Protein:
17
g
|

Fat:
10
g
|

Saturated Fat:
2
g
|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
2
g
|

Monounsaturated Fat:
5
g
|

Cholesterol:
14
mg
|

Sodium:
870
mg
|

Potassium:
768
mg
|

Fiber:
11
g
|

Sugar:
10
g
|

Vitamin A:
1040
IU
|

Vitamin C:
12
mg
|

Calcium:
84
mg
|

Iron:
4
mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

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Quick Pozole Tips for Success

Even with a fast recipe, a few key tips can ensure your 30-minute Pozole turns out perfectly every time:

• Maximize Flavor with Fire-Roasted Chiles: Opt for fire-roasted diced green chiles whenever possible. They add an incredible smoky depth without any extra preparation time, instantly boosting the complexity of your broth.
• Choose the Right Chili Powder: Always use mild American chili powder (like McCormick or similar brands). This blend is designed for a rich, earthy flavor rather than intense heat. Avoid hot chili powder or pure ground chiles unless you specifically desire a spicier soup.
• Sauté Tomato Paste and Spices Thoroughly: Don’t rush the process of cooking the tomato paste and spices. Sautéing them for a few extra minutes until they become deeply fragrant helps to bloom their flavors, creating a more robust and satisfying broth foundation. This step is a small investment for a huge flavor payoff.
• Adjust Heat to Your Preference: This recipe is crafted to be mild and kid-friendly. If you prefer a spicier kick, feel free to add 1/4 teaspoon (or more) of cayenne pepper along with the other spices, or simply provide hot sauce or sliced jalapeños as toppings.
• Don’t Skimp on Toppings: The magic of Pozole is truly in the toppings. A generous spread of fresh, crunchy, and creamy additions elevates the entire dish, providing contrasting textures and flavors that make each spoonful exciting.