Smoked Pozole Rojo
A hearty, rich, and spicy broth with smoky pork shoulder and hominy.
Servings 12
Ingredients
- 4 lb pork shoulder
- 8 cups water
- 1 white onion peeled and quartered
- 1 head garlic cloves separated and peeled
- 4 bay leaves
- 2 oz dried Ancho chilis stems and seeds removed
- 2 oz dried Guajillo (Cascavel) chilis stems and seeds removed
- 4-5 Arbol chilis optional for added spice
- 1-2 tbsp bouillion paste beef, chicken or vegetable
- 8 cups beef stock
- 8 cups chicken stock
- 2 tbsp Mexican oregano
- 2 tbsp cumin
- salt and pepper for seasoning pork and to taste
- 60 oz Hominy
Instructions
- Preheat your smoker to 225-250°F degrees.
- Cube up the pork shoulder meat into 1½-2” cubes. Season on all sides with salt and pepper.
- Place pork cubes on a wire rack or perforated grill pan. Place in the smoker for 2 hours.
- Heat the water in a pot over medium-high heat on the stovetop. Add onions, garlic, and two bay leaves, and bring to a boil for five minutes.
- Add the chilis and simmer for another 30 minutes.
- Remove from heat, place a lid on the pot, and let the mixture steep for another 30 minutes.
- Discard the bay leaves. Add the chilis, onions, and garlic to the blender along with 1 cup of the steeping liquid. Blend for at least 1 minute until smooth.
- Place a fine mesh strainer over the pot used for boiling and strain the chili sauce through. This removes any chili skins or seeds.
- After the pork cubes have been smoked for two hours, add them to a large pot along with the strained chili sauce, bouillon paste, cumin, Mexican oregano, and stock. Stir well, season with salt, and add the two remaining bay leaves.
- Place the pot back on the smoker for one hour.
- Drain the hominy and add to the pot on the smoker.
- Continue to smoke for another two hours or until the pork is tender and easily pulls apart.
- Serve while hot with desired toppings.
Notes
The Toppings – traditional toppings for pozole are generally finely shredded cabbage or lettuce, thinly sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, and lime. You can also add shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced red onions.