1 Oz Mexican Style Chicken or Turkey and Corn hominy soup (Pozole) is a delicious and nutritious soup that is popular in Mexican cuisine. Each serving of this soup contains only 19 calories which makes it a great low calorie and low fat option for people who are looking to lose weight or maintain their weight.

Apart from being low calorie and low fat, pozole is also rich in protein and fiber. It contains chicken or turkey, corn hominy and a variety of herbs and spices that not only add flavor to the soup but also provide health benefits.

In this article, we'll explore what pozole is, its history, different types of pozole, how to make it, its health benefits and serving suggestions.

What is Pozole?

Pozole is a traditional soup that originated in Mexico. It is made with meat, usually pork or chicken, and corn hominy. Other ingredients like herbs, spices and vegetables can also be added to enhance the flavor of the soup. Pozole is typically served during celebrations and special occasions like birthdays, weddings, Christmas and New Year. In Mexican culture, pozole is considered a comfort food that brings people together. It is also believed to have healing properties and is often served to people who are sick or recovering from an illness. Pozole has a thick and hearty texture with a rich and savory taste. It is often garnished with toppings like lettuce, radish, onion, cilantro, lime and chili pepper.

History of Pozole

Pozole has a long and fascinating history that dates back to pre-Columbian times. It is believed that the Aztecs, who were one of the largest and most sophisticated civilizations of ancient Mexico, introduced pozole to the region. According to legend, pozole was first created as an offering to the gods during a time of famine. The Aztecs sacrificed a human and cooked the meat with corn hominy and other ingredients to make pozole. They believed that the gods would be pleased with this offering and bring rains to end the drought that was causing the famine. The tradition of sacrificing humans for pozole ended with the arrival of the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century. Today, pozole is a cherished part of Mexican culinary heritage and is enjoyed by people all over the world.

Ingredients of pozole

The main ingredients of pozole are meat, corn hominy and broth. Pork and chicken are the most commonly used meats but beef and seafood can also be used. Some variations of pozole use lamb, goat or turkey as the meat. To make pozole, the meat is cooked in a large pot with garlic, onion and spices like oregano and cumin. Once the meat is cooked, corn hominy and broth are added to the pot and simmered for several hours to enhance the flavor of the soup. Other ingredients like chili peppers, tomatoes and cilantro can also be added to the soup to give it a spicy and tangy flavor. Pozole can be served with a variety of toppings like lettuce, radish, onion, cilantro and lime to add freshness and flavor to the soup.

Traditions surrounding pozole

Pozole is deeply ingrained in Mexican culture and is associated with many traditions and superstitions. In some parts of Mexico, pozole is believed to have mystical powers and is served as an offering to the dead during the Day of the Dead festival. It is also believed to have healing properties and is served to people who are sick or recovering from an illness. Pozole is often served during celebrations and special occasions like birthdays, weddings, Christmas and New Year. It is a symbol of unity and togetherness and brings people together to share a meal and celebrate. In some parts of Mexico, pozole is served with a chile paste made from ground chile peppers, garlic and spices. The paste is known as 'mojo' and is used to add heat and flavor to the soup.

Different types of pozole

There are many different variations of pozole that vary in ingredients, flavor and texture. Some of the most popular types of pozole include:

• Red Pozole - made with pork, chile peppers, garlic and onions which gives it a bright red color
• White Pozole - made with chicken, garlic, onion and herbs which gives it a lighter color. It is also known as Pozole Blanco
• Green Pozole - made with chicken, tomatillos, jalapeño peppers and cilantro which gives it a green color
• Seafood Pozole - made with seafood like shrimp, fish, octopus and squid. It is also known as Pozole de Mariscos

Vegetarian and vegan variations of pozole are also popular and use ingredients like mushrooms, tofu and vegetable broth instead of meat and animal broth.

How to make pozole

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. pork shoulder or chicken thighs
• 1 can corn hominy, drained and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp. dried oregano
• 2 tbsp. ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions:

1. Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add the meat and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened. Add the oregano and cumin and cook for another minute.
3. Return the meat to the pot and add the corn hominy and broth. Bring to a boil then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 hours until the meat is tender.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot with toppings like lettuce, radish, onion, cilantro and lime.

Health benefits of pozole

Pozole is a nutritious soup that is low in fat and calories and high in protein and fiber. The meat in pozole contains protein which is essential for building and repairing muscles, organs and tissues in the body. Corn hominy is rich in fiber which helps to regulate digestion and promote healthy bowel movements. Pozole also contains a variety of herbs and spices like garlic, onion, oregano and cumin which have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. They can help to boost the immune system and prevent infections and diseases. However, it is important to note that some variations of pozole can be high in sodium and cholesterol. It is best to choose lean meats and low sodium broth if you are watching your sodium and cholesterol intake.

Pozole variations

Apart from the traditional pork and Chicken pozole, there are many variations of pozole that can be made with different meats, vegetables and spices. Some popular variations of pozole include:

• Beef Pozole - made with beef instead of pork or chicken
• Vegan Pozole - made with mushrooms, tofu or tempeh instead of meat and vegetable broth instead of animal broth
• Red Seafood Pozole - made with shrimp, octopus and squid in a red chile pepper broth
• Green Pozole - made with chicken or pork, green chile peppers and tomatillos
• Three Sisters Pozole - made with corn, beans and squash

Experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own unique and delicious version of pozole.

Pozole recipe variations

Here are some recipe ideas to get you started on making your own variations of pozole:

• Vegetarian Pozole - use mushrooms, tofu or tempeh instead of meat and vegetable broth instead of animal broth. Add vegetables like carrots, zucchini and bell peppers.
• Spicy Pozole - add extra chili peppers or hot sauce to give the soup a spicy kick.
• Seafood Pozole - use shrimp, fish or octopus instead of meat. Add vegetables like carrots, celery and bell peppers. Use seafood broth instead of chicken or vegetable broth.
• Chipotle Pozole - add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to give the soup a smoky and spicy flavor.
• Instant Pot Pozole - make pozole in the Instant Pot for a quick and easy version of the soup.

Try these variations or create your own to see which one is your favorite.

Pozole serving suggestions

Pozole is traditionally served with a variety of toppings that add freshness and flavor to the soup. Some popular toppings include:

• Lettuce
• Radish
• Onion
• Cilantro
• Lime
• Chili pepper

You can also serve pozole with tortilla chips, tostadas or cornbread to add some crunch to the meal.