Slow Cooker Posole Recipe

Pork shoulder: Cut into chunks, this is the main protein of the dish, providing a rich and tender texture.

Onion: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to the stew.

Garlic: Minced to infuse the broth with a robust aroma.

Chili powder: Brings a mild heat and depth of flavor.

Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy taste to the posole.

Oregano: Provides a hint of herbal freshness.

Hominy: A key ingredient that gives the stew its unique texture and flavor.

Chicken broth: Forms the base of the stew, adding richness and depth.

Water: Helps to balance the broth and ensure the right consistency.

Salt: Enhances all the flavors in the dish.

Pepper: Adds a touch of heat and seasoning.

When preparing pork shoulder for this slow cooker posole, take the time to sear the meat in a hot pan before adding it to the slow cooker. This step, while optional, can significantly enhance the depth of flavor in the final dish. The Maillard reaction that occurs during searing creates a rich, caramelized crust on the pork, which adds complexity to the broth as it slow cooks.

• pork shoulder - Substitute with chicken thighs: Chicken thighs are also rich and flavorful, making them a good alternative for the hearty texture of pork shoulder.

• pork shoulder - Substitute with beef chuck: Beef chuck has a similar texture and richness, providing a comparable depth of flavor.

• diced onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots offer a milder and slightly sweeter flavor, which can complement the other ingredients well.

• diced onion - Substitute with leeks: Leeks provide a subtle onion flavor and can add a different texture to the dish.

• minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it lacks the fresh, pungent aroma of minced garlic. Use about ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.

• minced garlic - Substitute with shallots: Shallots can add a mild garlic-like flavor and a bit of sweetness.

• chili powder - Substitute with paprika and cayenne pepper: A mix of paprika and a pinch of cayenne can mimic the heat and color of chili powder.

• chili powder - Substitute with ancho chili powder: Ancho chili powder has a similar flavor profile but with a slightly smokier taste.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other spices.

• cumin - Substitute with caraway seeds: Caraway seeds have a similar earthy flavor and can be used in smaller amounts.

• oregano - Substitute with thyme: Thyme has a similar earthy and slightly minty flavor, making it a good alternative.

• oregano - Substitute with marjoram: Marjoram is closely related to oregano and has a milder, sweeter flavor.

• hominy - Substitute with canned corn: Canned corn can provide a similar texture and sweetness, though it lacks the distinct chewiness of hominy.

• hominy - Substitute with chickpeas: Chickpeas offer a different texture but can add a hearty element to the dish.

• chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can provide a similar savory base while keeping the dish vegetarian.

• chicken broth - Substitute with beef broth: Beef broth can add a richer, deeper flavor to the posole.

• water - Substitute with additional broth: Using more broth instead of water can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• salt - Substitute with soy sauce: Soy sauce can add a salty and umami flavor, though it will change the flavor profile slightly.

• pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a slightly different flavor but can provide the same level of heat.

• Allow the posole to cool to room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation and keeps the dish fresh.
• Transfer the posole to an airtight container. Make sure the container is large enough to hold the soup without spilling but not so large that there is excessive air space.
• Store the container in the refrigerator if you plan to consume the posole within 3-4 days. The flavors will meld together beautifully, making it even more delicious.
• For longer storage, place the posole in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label the container with the date to keep track of its freshness.
• When using freezer bags, lay them flat in the freezer to save space and ensure even freezing. This method also makes it easier to stack other items on top.
• To reheat refrigerated posole, pour it into a saucepan and warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For frozen posole, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• If you're in a hurry, you can reheat frozen posole directly in a saucepan over low heat, adding a bit of chicken broth or water to help it thaw and heat evenly.
• Garnish with fresh toppings like cilantro, lime wedges, and radishes just before serving to maintain their vibrant flavors and textures.

• Gently reheat the posole on the stovetop over medium heat. Pour the leftovers into a large pot and stir occasionally to ensure even heating. This method helps maintain the texture of the pork shoulder and the hominy.

• Use the microwave for a quick reheat. Place a portion of the posole in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes. Stir halfway through to distribute the heat evenly.

• Reheat in the slow cooker for a hands-off approach. Transfer the leftovers back into the slow cooker, set it to low, and heat for 1-2 hours. This method is perfect if you have time and want to keep the posole warm for an extended period.

• For a crispy twist, reheat the pork shoulder chunks separately in a skillet. Heat a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat, add the pork chunks, and cook until they are slightly crispy. Then, combine with the reheated posole for added texture.

• If you have an instant pot, use the sauté function to reheat the posole. Add the leftovers to the pot, set it to sauté, and stir occasionally until heated through. This method is quick and efficient, preserving the flavors and textures.

• Slow cooker: This is the primary appliance used to cook the posole slowly over several hours, ensuring the pork becomes tender and the flavors meld together.

• Cutting board: Essential for safely and efficiently cutting the pork shoulder and dicing the onion.

• Chef's knife: A sharp knife is crucial for cutting the pork into chunks and dicing the onion finely.

• Garlic press: Useful for mincing the garlic cloves quickly and evenly.

• Measuring spoons: Needed to accurately measure the chili powder, cumin, and oregano.

• Can opener: Required to open the can of hominy.

• Colander: Used to drain and rinse the hominy before adding it to the slow cooker.

• Mixing spoon: Handy for stirring the ingredients together once they are in the slow cooker.

• Ladle: Useful for serving the posole into bowls once it’s ready.

• Serving bowls: Needed for serving the posole to your guests or family.

• Tongs: Helpful for handling the pork shoulder chunks when placing them in the slow cooker.

• Measuring cup: Used to measure the chicken broth and water accurately.

Prep ingredients ahead: Dice the onion and mince the garlic the night before to save time in the morning.

Use pre-cut pork: Buy pre-cut pork shoulder chunks to skip the cutting step.

Instant broth: Use pre-made chicken broth instead of making it from scratch.

Quick hominy: Opt for canned hominy to avoid soaking and cooking dried hominy.

Batch seasoning: Mix the chili powder, cumin, and oregano together in advance.

Slow cooker liners: Use slow cooker liners for easy cleanup.

Garnish prep: Prepare garnishes like cilantro, lime wedges, and radishes while the posole cooks.