Pozole Rojo (Red Pozole)
Prep Time
8 minsCook Time
11-12 minsFree Time
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This rendition of Mexico's cherished red chile soup is a microwave miracle. The vibrant broth derives its color and gentle heat from the infusion of dried guajillo and ancho chiles, made easily with the microwave. Aromatics like dried chiles, onion, and garlic are toasted in the Anyday dish, and all of the intense peppery steam is trapped inside the dish. Finish off this soup with hominy and diced pork chops — the microwave cooks everything through to tender perfection.
All of Anyday’s recipes are tested (and retested!) in many different microwave and home kitchens to make sure they work— and work well. Unless specified otherwise, all recipes should be cooked at full power.
What You’ll Need
What You’ll Need
The Medium Deep Dish
The Anyhand Mitts
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (canola, sunflower, corn, etc)
- 1 dried guajillo chile, seeds and stem removed
- 1 dried ancho chile, seeds and stem removed
- 8 garlic cloves, peeled
- ½ cup (60g) small diced onion
- 1½ cups (340ml) chicken stock
- ½ chipotle pepper (from a can)
- 2 4oz (230g) boneless pork chops, cut into ¼-inch cubes
- 1 cup (160g) canned hominy, drained and rinsed
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Lime wedges, fresh cilantro, sour cream, chopped red onion, and diced avocado for serving
Preparation
- Add the oil, dried chiles, garlic, and onion into an Anyday dish and mix well. Cook uncovered in the microwave for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion begins to brown.
- Transfer the cooked ingredients into a blender and add the chicken stock and chipotle pepper. Blend until smooth, and then transfer the mixture back into the Anyday dish.
- Add the diced pork, hominy, and oregano. Cover with the lid (knob lifted) and cook in the microwave for 8-9 minutes, or until the pork is cooked through.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve with lime wedges, cilantro, sour cream, chopped red onion, diced avocado, or any other of your favorite toppings.
Serving suggestions & tips
- Lighter pozole: Try using chicken breast for a leaner, lighter version of this comforting dish.
- Bean alternative: If hominy isn't available, swap it out with your favorite canned beans for a tasty substitute.
- Extra spice: For a spicier kick, add more chipotle peppers to the broth or top with pickled or fresh jalapeños.
- Crunchy topping: Top with crispy fried tortilla strips for a crunchy contrast that complements the rich broth.
Recipe notes
- Freeze in the 1/2 Cup Anytime Freezer Trays and reheat as needed.
- Microwave ovens vary, even with the same wattages. Adjust cooking times as needed.
All You Need to Know About Making Pozole in the Microwave
What is Pozole Rojo?
Pozole Rojo is a traditional Mexican soup featuring a vibrant, deeply spiced broth made from dried guajillo and ancho chiles. This hearty dish combines tender pork, hominy, and bold, smoky flavors, creating a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s often garnished with toppings like fresh lime, cilantro, and sliced avocado for added flavor and texture.
Can I make Pozole Rojo in the microwave?
Yes! This microwave version cuts the cook time and makes the process faster and easier without sacrificing flavor. Using an Anyday dish allows you to toast the chiles, simmer the broth, and cook the pork all in one dish, reducing both cooking time and cleanup.
How long can I store Pozole Rojo in the fridge?
Pozole Rojo can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days in an Anyday dish. Allow the soup to cool completely, then cover the Anyday with the lid and refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
Can I freeze Pozole Rojo?
Yes, Pozole Rojo freezes beautifully! Store the cooled soup in the silicone Anytime Freezer Trays or an Anyday dish and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat straight from frozen in the microwave for a quick, hearty meal.
What’s the best way to reheat Pozole Rojo?
To reheat from the fridge, transfer the soup in an Anyday dish, cover with the lid, and microwave on full power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. To reheat from frozen, transfer to an Anyday dish and microwave on full power for 4-8 minutes, depending on the portion size, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. For more tips on reheating, check out our blog.
Can I make Pozole Rojo vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the chicken stock with vegetable stock and swap the pork for hearty vegetables like diced zucchini, mushrooms, or tofu. Follow the same process to toast and blend the chiles for a flavorful vegetarian broth.
What toppings go well with Pozole Rojo?
Pozole Rojo is traditionally garnished with fresh lime wedges, cilantro, chopped red onion, diced avocado, shredded cabbage, and sour cream. For extra crunch, try crispy tortilla strips or thinly sliced radishes.
How can I adjust the spice level in Pozole Rojo?
You can easily adjust the spice level in this recipe. For more heat, add an extra chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For a milder broth, use fewer dried chiles or omit the chipotle pepper.
Can I use pre-cooked pork for this recipe?
Yes! Pre-cooked or leftover pulled pork works great. Add it to the soup with the hominy in the final cooking stage, and heat just until warmed through to maintain its tenderness.
