Tomatillo Posole: A Taste of Home

The aroma of simmering chilies and slow-cooked chicken instantly transports me back to my abuela’s kitchen. She had a way of transforming simple ingredients into culinary masterpieces, and her posole was legendary. The vibrant green broth, the tender chicken, the satisfying pop of hominy—it was comfort in a bowl, a dish that warmed not just the body, but the soul. While her recipe remains a closely guarded family secret, this tomatillo posole captures the essence of those cherished memories, offering a taste of home with every spoonful.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons oil
• 1 cup sliced onion
• 4 ounces chopped green chilies
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon chopped shallot
• 2 1⁄2 cups chopped cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 30 ounces hominy, drained
• 3 1⁄2 cups chicken broth
• 16 ounces salsa verde (green salsa)
• 5 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon salt

Toppings of Choice:

• Shredded lettuce
• Cheese
• Chopped tomato
• Sour cream
• Chopped avocado
• Chopped onion
• Chopped cilantro

Equipment Needed

• Large pot
• Stirring spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board

Instructions

1. In a large pot, heat the oil over medium heat. Allow the oil to shimmer slightly before adding the vegetables.

2. Add the sliced onion and cook until it starts to soften, about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning, and aim for a translucent appearance.

3. Add the chopped green chilies, minced garlic, and chopped shallot. Cook and stir for 2 minutes, allowing the garlic and shallot to become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

4. Add the chopped cooked chicken, chili powder, cumin, and salt. Stir to blend the spices evenly with the chicken. This step allows the chicken to absorb the flavors of the spices, creating a richer and more complex taste.

5. Add the drained hominy and chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Ensure the hominy is well-distributed in the broth.

6. Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Simmering allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

7. Remove the cover, stir in the salsa verde, cover the pot again, and simmer for 5 more minutes. The salsa verde adds a bright, tangy flavor that complements the richness of the chicken and spices.

8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings of choice. Get creative with your toppings!

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Boost the Flavor: For a deeper, more complex flavor, toast the chili powder and cumin in a dry pan for a minute or two before adding them to the pot. This will awaken their aromatic oils and enhance their taste.
• Thickening the Posole: If you prefer a thicker posole, mash a small portion of the hominy against the side of the pot with a spoon. This will release its starch and naturally thicken the broth.
• Spice Adjustment: Adjust the amount of chili powder to your liking. For a milder posole, use less; for a spicier kick, use more or add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This posole is even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully as it sits in the refrigerator. Prepare it a day in advance for effortless entertaining.
• Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver, but feel free to use any cooked chicken you have on hand. Leftover roast chicken or grilled chicken would also work well. You can even boil chicken breasts until cooked, then shred them.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the tomatillo posole hot in bowls, garnished with your favorite toppings. A squeeze of lime juice adds a bright, fresh finish.

Storage:

• Room Temperature: Do not leave posole at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Refrigerator: Store leftover posole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the posole in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating:

• Reheat leftover posole on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. You may need to add a little extra chicken broth if it has thickened too much. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	496.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	181 g	36%
Total Fat	20.1 g	30%
Saturated Fat	3.8 g	19%
Cholesterol	65.6 mg	21%
Sodium	2164.2 mg	90%
Total Carbohydrate	45.9 g	15%
Dietary Fiber	8 g	31%
Sugars	9.7 g	N/A
Protein	32.4 g	64%

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

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetarian Posole: Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
• Spicy Posole: Add a jalapeño or serrano pepper, finely chopped, to the pot along with the onions.
• Pork Posole: Substitute the chicken with shredded pork shoulder. Slow-cooked pork adds a rich, savory flavor to the posole.
• Different Salsa: While this recipe calls for salsa verde, you can experiment with other types of salsa, such as salsa roja (red salsa) for a different flavor profile.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I make this posole in a slow cooker?

A: Yes! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir in the salsa verde during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

Q: What is hominy?

A: Hominy is dried corn kernels that have been nixtamalized, a process where the kernels are soaked and cooked in an alkaline solution. This makes the corn more nutritious and easier to digest.

Q: Can I use fresh green chilies instead of canned?

A: Absolutely! Roast fresh green chilies under the broiler until the skin is blackened, then peel, seed, and chop them before adding them to the pot.

Q: How can I make this posole less salty?

A: Use low-sodium chicken broth and reduce the amount of salt added to the recipe. You can also adjust the amount of salt to taste after the posole has simmered.

Q: What are some good toppings for posole?

A: The possibilities are endless! Some popular toppings include shredded lettuce, cheese, chopped tomato, sour cream, chopped avocado, chopped onion, chopped cilantro, and a squeeze of lime juice.

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own memories in the kitchen, just as my abuela did for me. This tomatillo posole is a versatile and comforting dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Feel free to experiment with different toppings and variations to make it your own. And most importantly, don’t be afraid to share your creations with loved ones – food is best enjoyed when shared! Pair this posole with warm tortillas and a refreshing agua fresca for a complete and satisfying meal. Enjoy!