Mexican pozole is a traditional soup in Mexico – it can be made with pork or chicken. This recipe uses the pressure cooker, though it could easily be adapted for the slow cooker. Read on to learn how to cook pozole, as well as how to stay healthy this winter!
It all started with soup.
Well, Forrest and mine’s relationship that is. Shortly after I met Forrest, one of his roommates told me that Forrest was sick.
So what’s a smitten girl to do other than make soup?
I told Forrest I was going to bring him over some soup…one, to make him feel better, and two, because, well, the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, right?
Anyways, he was appreciative, and I’m sure it was why he got better. Ha!
Being the gentleman that he is, Forrest returned my soup pot a week later…but it was filled with soup he had made me!
I was totally on cloud nine that he had gone to the effort to make me a soup as well as a thank you gift.
The soup was Pozole, which I had never had before. But it was delicious.
Well, the rest was history after that, and we got married almost a year later (and yes, we definitely served soups at our wedding…including Pozole, which I will share a pozole in pressure cooker recipe in just a minute).
I’m grateful for colds, because one certainly started our relationship off on the right foot. Since then, we’ve weathered many colds and illnesses together and with our boys – it’s not even the end of October yet, and I’ve already got what felt like the flu.
History of Pozole
Pozole is a very popular dish with a rich history.
Pozole originated in Nahuatl. You might be surprised to hear that it was originally made with the meat from prisoners – thankfully, that is no longer the case! Once cannibalism was banned, it was replaced with pork.
It is a very popular soup/stew that is often found at special occasions and holidays.
FAQ
Is it pozole or posole? Either spelling is technically correct. According to this article, pozole is more popular in Mexico proper, while posole is more common in border towns.
Can pozole be made with beef? If you would prefer beef, you could use that instead. Cooking time would depend on the type of beef.
Can pozole be made with chicken? Yes. The cooking time of this recipe would be less, depending on what kind of chicken you use. Chicken breasts would be about 15 minutes.
Can this be made vegetarian? Yes. If you choose to omit the meat, use all the other ingredients and cook about six minutes.
Can pozole be frozen? Yep, you can definitely freeze this recipe!
Is there an alternative for hominy? While I think this is what makes pozole, well, pozole, is the hominy! But if you really don’t like it, you could try and omit and use corn kernels instead. It will change the taste and texture, though.
However, if you like spice, feel free to add more! We also recommend having lime, sliced radishes, onions, and cabbage – they add some nice texture to the soup, and it helps cut the spiciness.
We were SUPER impressed with how the pork cooked in this soup and in the Instant Pot. It was SO tender and shredded perfectly. I think searing it and cutting it into pieces helped a lot.
How to Make Pozole
INGREDIENTS
Soup Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs pork roast
- 2-3 Tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder, optional
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 3 15 ounce cans – white hominy, half drained
- 1 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes, half drained
- 1 cup of diced onion
- 1 teaspoon of salt and pepper
- 2 cups of chicken broth
Toppings
- Shredded cabbage
- Limes
- Sliced radishes
- Diced onions
Directions:
Add oil to cover the bottom of the inner pot of your pressure cooker – turn to saute.
Season `pork with salt and pepper.
Cut into a few different chunks and sear on each side for about one minute.
Add onions and garlic about a minute before you are down searing.
Add all the other ingredients (except for the toppings) to the pot. Stir.
Place lid on top, set pressure valve to seal, and press Meat/Stew – set time for 38 minutes.
Once the timer has reached zero, let the pressure release naturally for ten minutes. Then release the rest of the pressure by turning the valve.
Remove pork and shred. Put back in the pot, stir, and serve immediately with toppings.
Check out our Ultimate Instant Pot Guide!
Instant Pot Pozole
Easy Instant Pot Pozole is sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Ingredients
Posole Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs pork roast
- 2-3 Tablespoons Vegetable oil
- 1 Tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1/2 teaspoon ancho chile powder, optional
- 2 teaspoons oregano
- 2 bay leaves
- 3 1/2 cups water
- 3 15 ounce cans - white hominy, half drained
- 1 14.5 ounce can of diced tomatoes, half drained
- 1 cup of diced onion
- teaspoon of salt and pepper
- 2 cups of chicken broth
Toppings
- Shredded cabbage
- Limes
- Sliced radishes
- Diced onions
Instructions
- Add oil to cover the bottom of the inner pot of your pressure cooker - turn to saute.
- Season `pork with salt and pepper. Cut into a few different chunks and sear on each side for about one minute. Add onions and garlic about a minute before you are down searing.
- Add all the other ingredients (except for the toppings) to the pot. Stir.
- Place lid on top, set pressure valve to seal, and press Meat/Stew - set time for 38 minutes.
- Once the timer has reached zero, let the pressure release naturally for ten minutes. Then release the rest of the pressure by turning the valve.
- Remove pork and shred. Put back in the pot, stir, and serve immediately with toppings.
More Instant Pot Dinner Recipes:
- Easy Instant Pot Ham Recipe
- The Best Instant Pot Pot Roast Recipe
- Easy Instant Pot Cornish Game Hen Recipe
- Easy Instant Pot Beef Stroganoff with Ground Beef
- Easy Instant Pot Apricot Chicken
- Instant Pot French Dip Sandwiches
- The Best Instant Pot BBQ Chicken with Potatoes
- The Only Instant Pot Lasagna Recipe You Need
Katie is a Colorado-native, BYU graduated, and most importantly, wife to one and mother to three beautiful boys. She is passionate about sharing her experiences with others – especially about pregnancy, breastfeeding, cooking, and crafts. She is currently training to be a Certified Lactation Educator. She loves spending time with her family and helping others find joy in family life.
LiliaB says
This was a super hit for our family! We loved it so much that we shared it with our neighbors. Thank you.
Katie says
I’m so happy to hear that!
Angela says
Sorry I meant to say POZOLE.
Angela says
Can I cook the pesola in a crockpot instead of a pressure cooker? if I can for how long do I cook it?
Katie says
I have not done it in a slow cooker, but I think that would be fine! The main issue is making sure the pork is done, so I would just find instructions on cooking pork in a slow cooker and going off of that time π
Susie Salins says
Made this last night, adjusted the spices just a bit and it was delicious. We will definitely make again.
Katie says
So glad!
Kimberly Kent says
If I use chicken. How much? Thx.
Katie says
I would do 2-3 pounds!
Angela says
How long does it take to do all of the ingredients prepping and cooking in the pressure cooker?
Katie says
I would say that I would give yourself about 75 minutes. That might be a little bit more than you really need, but it’s always good to have a little bit of buffer time!
Debbie says
This was really good and really easy!
Katie says
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!
joe says
the work pozole is spelled with a z
Katie says
It can be (and is) spelled both ways depending on culture and region. Thanks!
PG says
and word is spelled with a (d), not a k. That is actually work, which is what we don’t want and why we buy an Instapot!
Ivonne says
Thanks for sharing this recipe. I removed the cayenne and ancho chili powder because I use different kinds of chili that I boil and blend and then add to the soup but I was amazed at how fast I can make pozole now without having to wait by the stove for hours!
Katie says
So glad you enjoyed it!
Jeannette says
How many servings does your posole recipe make?
Katie says
It serves a lot! I would say at least six. Probably more.
Amy says
What size IP did you use for these measurements?
Amy says
I ended up using a 6qt…it was AMAZING!! Thanks for this recipe, itβs a keeper!
Katie says
So glad you loved it!
Betsy says
How long do you think this would take in instant pot if using already cooked and chopped pork roast ?
Katie says
Probably only about 7 minutes on manual high pressure!
Chelsea @ Life With My Littles says
Okay, I love that he brought your container back filled with soup! That is the sweetest! And I’ve never heard of this kind before. We’ll have to try it!