Posole Rojo is a hearty Mexican soup made with hominy and pork, in a red chili broth.
Posole or Pozole? Technically both are right and used interchangeably.
Depending on the region of Mexico there are variations of Posole, but the recipe I’m showing here is Posole Rojo. This version is from Guadalajara where my husband’s family is from. The soup is commonly made with pork and cooked for a couple of hours on the stove until the pork is tender. I decided to try using my Instant Pot to make Posole and love the results! Using the Instant pot makes it fast enough for a weeknight meal.
What’s in Posole?
Hominy- Hominy is dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali, in a process called nixtamalization. The kernel then softens and puffs up, doubling in size. The flavor of hominy is pretty neutral and the texture is that of a cooked bean.
Pork- Most recipes call for Pork Butt/Shoulder, but I’m making it healthier by using a pork loin roast. Pork tenderloin can be used as well. Using a leaner pork also cuts down on the cooking time, regardless if you are using a pressure cooker or stove top.
Guajillo Chiles- Dried Guajillo or California Chiles are used for the broth. These chilis can be found and most grocery stores or at a local Hispanic market. They need to be rehydrated in boiling water then blended with tomatoes, and garlic for the broth.
Those are the main ingredients, but don’t skip the toppings! We like to add the following:
Shredded lettuce, sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, lime, hot sauce and tostadas or chips.
How to Cook Posole Rojo
I’ll list both a Stove Top Method and an Instant Pot Method. Both methods require making the red sauce first.
The Red Sauce
This is the Rojo or Red part of the soup.
Start by removing the stems and seeds from Guajillo or California Chilis, and rehydrate them in boiling water. If you want your Posole to have some spice you can add a chili de arbol, but we always add hot sauce when serving so the kids can eat it too.
Once the chilis are rehydrated, they get blended with some water, garlic and tomatoes.
After they are blended, the sauce needs to be strained to remove any leftover seeds. To speed this process up I use a rubber spatula and press it against the mesh strainer to help the liquid go through.
Instant Pot Method
I’m making this Posole Rojo with Pork Loin, which is much leaner than pork shoulder/butt. Since there is less fat, it requires less cooking time.
The Pork, Hominy, Red Sauce, salt, and whole Onion are placed in the Instant Pot. Fill water up to Max Line. Set the timer to 25 minutes, then allow the pressure to release naturally for at least 15 minutes.
If you want to use Pork Shoulder, then you’ll need to do 2 cycles in the Instant Pot. First cycle is with the pork, salt, water, and onion. Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Once done, add the Hominy and Red Sauce. Cook on high pressure for an additional 10 minutes.
Stove Top Method
The Pork Loin, Hominy, Red Sauce, salt, and whole Onion are placed in a large pot with water. Bring to a boil, then allow soup to simmer at a low boil for about 1 hour or until the pork is tender.
For Pork Shoulder, add to a large pot with water, onion, and bring to a boil. Allow to simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the pork is tender. Then add hominy, red sauce, salt, and simmer on a low boil for 30 minutes.
Can Leftovers be stored?
Yes! Leftovers of Posole can be stored in the fridge for a few days. Reheat on the stove, and add toppings before serving.
Posole can also be frozen. Store in freezer safe containers then allow to thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
We love eating Posole during the Holidays since you can make a large batch and it’s filling. Try these other Authentic Recipes from Guadalajara Mexico.
Watch the YouTube Video Here:
Instant Pot Posole Rojo
Equipment
- Instant Pot
Ingredients
Posole:
- 2-3 lbs Pork Loin Cut into 2 in chunks. Use less meat if you have a small pot.
- 1 Tbsp Salt Add more if needed once soup is done.
- 1 Whole White Onion peeled and stems removed.
- 2 25 oz Cans White Mexican Hominy Drained and Rinsed
- 6 Dried Mexican Chilies Guajillo or California chilies
- 2-4 Garlic Cloves Left whole and Peeled
- 2 Roma Tomatoes Halved
- Water Enough water to cover pork in the instant pot or Stove top pot.
Toppings:
- Finely shredded Cabbage
- Sliced Radishes
- Chopped Cilantro
- Finely Chopped white onion
- Lime Wedges
- Hot Sauce
- Tostadas, Tortilla Chips, or Bread for Dipping
Instructions
Blended Red Sauce
- Start by making the red sauce first. Get the dried chilis, remove the stems, and shake out some of the seeds. Then place them in a bowl or pot with boiling water. Soak for 15 minutes until they are soft.
- Remove the soaked chilis and add to a blender with 1 cup of clean water, whole cloves of garlic, and tomatoes. Blend until smooth about 1 minute. Pour mixture through a fine mesh strainer to take out any big chunks or seeds that are left. Tip- Use a spatula to press the red sauce through the strainer faster.
Instant Pot (8 quart size)
- Cut Pork into 2 in chunks and place in the Instant Pot with all the ingredients: Drained hominy, whole onion, strained red sauce, salt, and water. I added water until it reached the Max Fill line. Set timer on Instant Pot for 25 minutes and allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes. Open the lid, remove onion and discard. Taste broth and add additional salt if needed.
- You can either leave the pork in chunks or shred some pieces to make it easier to eat. Serve in bowls and have toppings ready.
Stovetop:
- Cut into 2 in chunks and place in a large pot on the stove. Add about 8-10 cups of water (or however big your pot is). Add a whole peeled onion, salt, and cover with lid. Bring to a boil, then simmer on medium low for about 1 hour or until pork is tender.
- After an hour of the pork simmering, add both cans of drained hominy and the strained red sauce. Bring back to a boil and reduce heat to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the pork is tender, and the hominy is softened.
- Taste the broth and add additional salt if needed.
- You can either leave the pork in chunks or shred some pieces to make it easier to eat. Serve in bowls and have toppings ready.
Notes
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Marci Symington says
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you, Renee!!!
Renee says
Thank you Marci! Merry Christmas to you and your family too!
Elizabeth says
We dont eat pork. What other meat can I use?
Renee says
Hi Elizabeth, You can substitute chicken or a beef roast instead. I'd love to hear how it turns out!
Sandra says
Can I use a 6qt instapot for this recipe?
Renee says
Yes, you can use a 6 qt pot, just add water to the max fill line. Let me know how it turns out!