Slow Cooker Posole: A Flavorful and Effortless Mexican Stew

Posole (or Pozole) is a traditional Mexican stew that’s rich in flavor, comforting, and surprisingly easy to make, especially when using a slow cooker. This recipe combines tender pork (or chicken, if you prefer), hominy, and a vibrant blend of spices, creating a hearty and satisfying meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends and family. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time, resulting in a truly unforgettable dish.

## What is Posole?

Posole, pronounced “poh-soh-leh,” is a pre-Hispanic soup or stew from Mexico. It’s traditionally made with hominy, which is dried corn kernels that have been nixtamalized – a process that involves soaking the corn in an alkaline solution to remove the hull and germ, making it more nutritious and easier to digest. The word “posole” itself refers to the hominy, but it’s also the name of the entire dish.

There are three main types of posole:

* **Posole Rojo (Red):** This is the most common type, characterized by its red broth, which gets its color from dried chili peppers like guajillo or ancho chiles.
* **Posole Verde (Green):** This version features a green broth made with tomatillos, green chiles, and herbs like cilantro and epazote.
* **Posole Blanco (White):** This is the simplest version, with a clear broth that relies on the flavors of the meat and hominy.

This recipe focuses on the Posole Rojo variation, offering a deep, smoky flavor that’s both complex and comforting.

## Why Use a Slow Cooker?

The slow cooker is the perfect tool for making posole for several reasons:

* **Tenderizes the Meat:** Slow cooking allows tough cuts of meat like pork shoulder to become incredibly tender and fall-apart delicious.
* **Develops Flavor:** The long cooking time allows the flavors of the spices and other ingredients to meld together, creating a richer and more complex taste.
* **Hands-Off Cooking:** Once you’ve prepped the ingredients, you can simply set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work, freeing you up to do other things.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** Posole is even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. It’s a great dish to make ahead of time for easy weeknight meals.
* **Perfect for Crowds:** A slow cooker makes a large batch of posole, making it ideal for feeding a crowd.

## Slow Cooker Posole Rojo Recipe

This recipe provides a detailed guide to creating a delicious and authentic Posole Rojo in your slow cooker. Feel free to adjust the ingredients and spices to your liking.

**Yields:** 8-10 servings
**Prep time:** 30 minutes
**Cook time:** 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high

### Ingredients:

* 3 pounds boneless pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes (or 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs)
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded (or 2 ancho chiles and 2 guajillo chiles)
* 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
* 4 cups chicken broth
* 2 (25 ounce) cans hominy, drained and rinsed
* 1 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
* 1 bay leaf
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Optional: 1 teaspoon ground coriander
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for heat)

**Toppings (Optional):

* Shredded cabbage or lettuce
* Chopped onion
* Diced avocado
* Lime wedges
* Radishes, thinly sliced
* Cilantro, chopped
* Crushed tortilla chips or tostadas
* Mexican crema or sour cream
* Hot sauce

### Equipment:

* Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
* Blender or food processor
* Large skillet or pot

### Instructions:

**1. Prepare the Chiles:**

* **Toast the Chiles (Important!):** This step is crucial for unlocking the flavors of the dried chiles. In a large, dry skillet over medium heat, toast the dried guajillo and ancho chiles for a few seconds per side, until they become fragrant and slightly pliable. Be careful not to burn them, as this will make them bitter. They should just barely start to change color. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
* **Rehydrate the Chiles:** Place the toasted chiles in a heat-proof bowl and cover them with about 2 cups of boiling water. Let them soak for 20-30 minutes, or until they are softened.

**2. Prepare the Chile Sauce:**

* **Blend the Chiles:** Once the chiles are softened, transfer them (along with the soaking liquid) to a blender or food processor. Be very careful when blending hot liquids; vent the blender lid to prevent pressure buildup. Add the garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, ground cloves, optional coriander, and optional cayenne pepper to the blender. Blend until smooth, forming a chile paste. If the mixture is too thick, add a little more chicken broth or water.
* **Taste and Adjust:** Taste the chile sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, cumin, or other spices to your liking.

**3. Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended):**

* While this step is optional, searing the pork adds a depth of flavor to the posole. In a large skillet or pot, heat 1-2 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Season the pork cubes generously with salt and pepper.
* Sear the pork in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each batch for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned. Remove the pork from the skillet and set aside.

**4. Assemble the Posole in the Slow Cooker:**

* **Layer the Ingredients:** Place the chopped onion in the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with the seared pork (or raw pork, if skipping the searing step). Pour the chile sauce over the pork and onion. Add the chicken broth and bay leaf.

**5. Cook the Posole:**

* **Slow Cook:** Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The pork should be very tender and easily shredded with a fork.

**6. Finish the Posole:**

* **Shred the Pork:** Once the pork is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the shredded pork to the slow cooker.
* **Add the Hominy:** Stir in the drained and rinsed hominy. Cook for another 30 minutes to 1 hour on low or high, allowing the hominy to heat through and absorb the flavors of the broth.
* **Remove Bay Leaf:** Before serving, remove the bay leaf.
* **Taste and Adjust (Again!):** Taste the posole and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or spices to your liking. You may also want to add a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.

**7. Serve and Enjoy:**

* **Serve Hot:** Ladle the posole into bowls and top with your favorite toppings. Some popular options include shredded cabbage or lettuce, chopped onion, diced avocado, lime wedges, radishes, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, Mexican crema, and hot sauce.

## Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Posole

* **Don’t Skip Toasting the Chiles:** Toasting the chiles is essential for developing their flavor. Be careful not to burn them, as this will make them bitter.
* **Rehydrate the Chiles Properly:** Soaking the chiles in hot water for at least 20-30 minutes will soften them and make them easier to blend.
* **Sear the Pork (Optional but Recommended):** Searing the pork adds a depth of flavor to the posole. If you’re short on time, you can skip this step, but it’s worth the extra effort.
* **Use Good Quality Chicken Broth:** The chicken broth forms the base of the posole, so using a good quality broth will make a big difference in the final flavor. Homemade broth is always best, but a good store-bought broth will also work.
* **Don’t Overcook the Hominy:** The hominy is already cooked, so you only need to heat it through in the slow cooker. Overcooking it will make it mushy.
* **Adjust the Spices to Your Liking:** This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. If you like it spicy, add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
* **Let the Flavors Meld:** Posole is even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop. If you have time, make it a day ahead of time and reheat it before serving.
* **Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment with Toppings:** The toppings are what make posole truly special. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings to find your favorites.

## Variations

* **Chicken Posole:** Substitute the pork shoulder with boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The cooking time may need to be reduced slightly.
* **Vegetarian Posole:** Omit the meat and use vegetable broth. Add some diced potatoes, sweet potatoes, or butternut squash for heartiness. You could also add some cooked beans, such as pinto or black beans.
* **Spicy Posole:** Add more cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chile sauce, or serve with a variety of hot sauces.
* **Posole Verde:** Replace the dried guajillo and ancho chiles with tomatillos, green chiles (such as poblano or jalapeno), and herbs like cilantro and epazote.

## Serving Suggestions

Posole is a complete meal in itself, but you can also serve it with some sides:

* **Tortillas or Tostadas:** Warm tortillas or crispy tostadas are perfect for scooping up the posole.
* **Mexican Rice:** A side of Mexican rice complements the flavors of the posole.
* **Guacamole and Chips:** Guacamole and chips are always a welcome addition to any Mexican meal.
* **Elote (Mexican Street Corn):** Elote is a delicious and festive side dish that pairs well with posole.

## Storage and Reheating

* **Storage:** Leftover posole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the posole on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. You may need to add a little broth or water if the posole has thickened too much.
* **Freezing:** Posole can also be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

## Conclusion

Slow Cooker Posole is a delicious and easy way to enjoy this classic Mexican stew. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time, resulting in a truly unforgettable meal. Whether you’re looking for a comforting weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a taste of Mexico!