Pozole-Mexican Soup

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup. Because it takes time and effort to make, it is often used as a treat for special occasions. Those who grew up in Pozole associate it with family and celebrations. It comes from the Nahuatl word Posilli, which means “foam”. Nahuatl was the language of the Aztecs, the indigenous people of modern Mexico. 

It is made from hominy, processed corn without sprouts, and meat, traditionally pork. It is often made with chicken, especially for those who do not eat pork. The stew has flavored with a combination of spices and is usually topped with accompaniments such as radish, avocado, and lime juice. 

History

Pozole originates from the Aztecs and other indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica. According to historical sources, aboriginal pozole was made from sacrificial human flesh and was deliciously eaten on special occasions. After the arrival of the Spanish and the ban on cannibalism, human meat has replaced by pork. It speculated that the Aztecs chose pork because it tasted like human flesh. Unfortunately, that means that cannibalism is delicious. Today, it is still a very common meal for Mexicans on special occasions such as weddings, quinceaneras (a unique celebration of a girl’s 15th birthday), birthdays, baptisms, and holidays. 

Types of Pozole

There are three types of pozole, green, white, and red, and they are being made with chicken or pork shoulder. (Vegetarian preparations replace bean and vegetable soups).

1.  Pozole Verde Or green pozole offers salsa verde made from tomatillos and green chili peppers like serrano or jalapeño. 
2. Red pozole, also known as pozole Rojo, gets its name from the ancho and guajillo red chilies that predominate in its chile sauce.
3. To make a lighter soup, white pozole, also known as pozole Blanco, omits the chile sauce.

Mexican Pozole Recipe

Ingredients

• Medium-sized pieces of sliced pork in pounds
• chiles guajillo
• Hominy can
• garlic clove
• Tomatoes
• Pepper and salt as desired.
•  teaspoon oregano
• teaspoon cumin
• a bay leaf
• Onions 
• cups of radish, chopped
• cups of lettuce, chopped
• Lime
• manufactured tortilla chips
• chopped onion, 
• chopped cilantro

Instructions 

1. Cook the pork in enough water (so that the pork is entirely covered with an inch or two to spare), along with the bay leaves, salt, pepper, 1 clove of garlic, and 1/4 slice of an undiced onion. From boiling the pork, set aside 1/2 cup of the stock.
2. After the meat has finished cooking, take out the bay leaf, onion, and garlic clove before adding the hominy and bringing the mixture to a boil for 15 minutes.
3. Prepare the guajiro chile by removing the seeds and stems and simmering in water for 5-7 minutes or until tender. Set aside for the next step. 
4. remaining 5 cloves garlic, guajillo chiles, tomato, another 1/4 onion, cumin, salt, pepper, 1/2 cup broth set aside in step 1 above, and 1/2 cup hominy mix. Blend thoroughly in a blender (to thicken the sauce). 
5. Once the above mixture is mixed, strain the mixture and add the strained liquid to the pot of pork and water simmering in the oven. Season with oregano and salt to taste. 
6. Let it cook 15 minutes longer. 
7. Served warm with chopped lettuce, onions, radishes, and a few drops of lime, and finished with homemade tortilla chips. 

Tips for Serve

• Serve with different toppings depending on your preference.
• Sliced ​​radishes, diced avocado, crushed cotija cheese, shredded cabbage, fresh coriander, and lime wedges are being  served with warm corn tortillas or freshly fried tortilla chips. 

The most typical garnish choices are as follows:

• Radishes
• Citrus juice
• Avocados
• lettuce
• cheese
• cabbage 
• Lasagna strips
• Tostadas (on the side)
• Tortillas  (on the side)
• sliced onion
• Cilantro 
• spicy food
• Scallions
• soured cream

Pozole is tasty, but is it nutritious?

It is arguably a healthier dish as it provides a balance of all three macronutrients and translates into a reasonable range of calories. You can also find a variety of vegetables and herbs that provide different micronutrients, such as fiber and certain vitamins. 

Is It Beneficial for sick People?

In addition to soothing a sore throat, warm soups can also help keep your body hydrated. In addition to all these, it can perform various other tasks. Add Chili peppers to chicken noodle soup and combined it with the healing properties of chicken noodle soup providing soothing, hydrating, sinus cleansing, and detoxification. 

Does Pozole Cause High Cholesterol?

 It’s true that pork is high in cholesterol, but pozole itself is actually low in cholesterol. Bell peppers provide a balanced diet without the high cholesterol found in other meats.  

Nutrition Information

It is a traditional Mexican soup rich in nutrients. It’s one cup has about 200 calories and 8 grams of protein. It is also a great source of dietary fiber, with 5 grams per cup. Pozole is also a good source of calcium, iron, vitamin C, vitamin A, and other vitamins and minerals. Pozole is a healthy and nutritious choice for people wanting to maintain a balanced diet because it is also low in sodium and saturated fat.