New Mexico Style Posole – Crock Pot

The first time I tasted posole was in a small, family-run restaurant nestled in the heart of Santa Fe. The aroma alone transported me – a heady mix of earthy chilies, savory pork, and a hint of sweetness. The warmth of the broth, the tender hominy, and the vibrant toppings created an explosion of flavor that felt both comforting and invigorating. Since then, I’ve been on a quest to recreate that authentic taste in my own kitchen, and this slow cooker version comes remarkably close, filling the house with the same magical scent.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
• Total Time: 6 hours 25 minutes
• Servings: 8-10
• Yield: 1 large pot
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free (check enchilada sauce ingredients)

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 lbs boneless pork, cubed
• 2 medium white onions, chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 cups water
• 2 (4 ounce) cans diced green chilies, undrained
• 1 (10 ounce) can red enchilada sauce, mild or hot
• 1 (16 ounce) can seasoned tomatoes and green chilies
• 1 (4 ounce) can taco sauce
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon oregano

Equipment Needed

• 6-quart crock pot (slow cooker)

Instructions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a 6-quart crock pot set to the browning/sauté function if your slow cooker has one. If not, you can perform this step in a large skillet on the stovetop before transferring to the slow cooker.
2. Add the cubed pork, chopped onions, and minced garlic to the crock pot or skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned on all sides and the onions are translucent. This step is crucial for developing a deep, rich flavor.
3. If you browned the pork in a skillet, carefully transfer the pork, onions, and garlic mixture to the crock pot.
4. Drain any excess grease from the pork mixture. This helps to prevent the posole from becoming overly greasy.
5. Add the water, diced green chilies (undrained), red enchilada sauce, seasoned tomatoes and green chilies, taco sauce, bay leaf, salt, pepper, and oregano to the crock pot.
6. Stir all ingredients together to ensure everything is well combined.
7. Cover the crock pot and cook on low heat for approximately 6 hours. Alternatively, you can cook on high heat for about 3 hours, but cooking on low heat allows the flavors to meld together more thoroughly.
8. After 2 hours of cooking, check the liquid level. Add more water if needed to ensure the pork is submerged. The amount of liquid needed can vary depending on your crock pot.
9. Adjust seasonings to taste. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired. Taste the broth and adjust as needed. The enchilada sauce and taco sauce contribute significantly to the flavor profile, so consider the heat level of these ingredients when adjusting the seasoning.
10. Simmer for an additional 2 to 3 hours on low heat, or until the pork is very tender and easily shreds with a fork. The longer the posole simmers, the more the flavors will develop and deepen.
11. Remove the bay leaf before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Sear the Pork: While browning the pork in the crock pot is convenient, searing it in a hot skillet before adding it to the slow cooker will create a deeper, richer flavor.
• Spice Level: Adjust the heat level by using mild, medium, or hot enchilada sauce, or by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make it Ahead: This posole can be made a day or two in advance and stored in the refrigerator. The flavors will only improve over time.
• Add Hominy: For a more traditional posole, add 1 (25 ounce) can of drained hominy during the last hour of cooking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the New Mexico Style Posole hot in bowls. Traditional accompaniments include:

• Shredded lettuce or cabbage
• Chopped white onion
• Lime wedges
• Crumbled Mexican cheese (such as cotija or queso fresco)
• Avocado slices
• Corn chips
• Warm flour tortillas or cornbread

Store leftover posole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	416 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	229 kcal	N/A
Total Fat	25.5g	39%
Saturated Fat	9g	45%
Cholesterol	114mg	37%
Sodium	1374mg	57%
Total Carbohydrate	11.3g	3%
Dietary Fiber	1.5g	6%
Sugars	5.3g	N/A
Protein	33.9g	67%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian/Vegan Posole: Substitute the pork with mushrooms, sweet potatoes, or other vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of water, and ensure the enchilada sauce and taco sauce are vegan.
• Chicken Posole: Replace the pork with chicken thighs for a lighter flavor.
• Spicier Posole: Add a chopped jalapeño pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crock pot.
• Hominy Addition: Incorporate a can of hominy in the final hour of cooking for a more traditional posole. Drain and rinse the hominy before adding.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use a different cut of pork?
A: Yes, you can use pork shoulder (also known as pork butt). It’s a fattier cut that will become very tender during the long cooking time. Trim excess fat before cubing. Lean cuts like pork loin can also be used but may result in a slightly drier texture.

Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Absolutely! Brown the pork using the sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 30-35 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 15 minutes.

Q: What if my posole is too thick?
A: Simply add more water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

Q: What if my posole is too thin?
A: You can thicken the posole by mashing some of the cooked pork or adding a slurry of cornstarch and water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q: Can I freeze leftover posole?
A: Yes, posole freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Final Thoughts

New Mexico Style Posole is more than just a soup; it’s a warm embrace, a taste of tradition, and a celebration of Southwestern flavors. This crock pot version makes it easy to enjoy this comforting dish any time of year. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the toppings and seasonings to create your own unique twist. Gather your loved ones, share a bowl, and savor the rich, satisfying flavors of this Southwestern classic. Let me know what you think! Enjoy!