4dried New Mexico or Guajillo chiliesseeds and stem removed
1dried ancho chileseeds and stem removed
2-3dried chile de Arboloptional, seeds and stem removed
1jalapenosliced (optional), stem removed
2teaspoonsground cumin
1teaspoondried Mexican oregano
3cupswhite or yellow hominy
2cupscanned pinto beansrinsed (optional)
salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
1/2cupfinely minced white onion
4tablespoonsfinely minced cilantro
1cupfinely shredded green or red cabbage
Thinly sliced radishes
Diced avocado
Corn or flour tortillaswarmed
Lime wedges
Instructions
In a small (4qt) stock pot or dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion, carrot, jalapeno and garlic and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion starts to become translucent. Add the cumin, oregano and dried chilies and cook for 1 minute more, until fragrant.
Add the chicken broth, chicken breasts, and chicken thighs to the pot and season with a bit of salt and pepper. Cover and gently simmer on low for 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the carrots are tender.
Remove the chicken breasts from the pot and transfer them to a plate. Once they have cooled slightly, use your hands or a fork to shred them into large chunks. Set aside.
Using a slotted spoon, remove all the solids from the broth (carrots, onions, jalapeno, garlic, dried chilies) and transfer them to the carafe of a blender. Cover with just enough broth to make them easy to blend and then blend until very smooth. Return the contents of the blender to the pot. Add the shredded chicken, hominy, and pinto beans (if using), to the pot as well and bring to a simmer for another 10-15 minutes and season to taste with salt and pepper.
Ladle soup into bowls and top as desired with cabbage, onion, cilantro, avocado, radish, tortillas, and freshly squeezed lime juice.
Notes
This recipe can be cut down to make less soup, but I love leftover pozole because the flavors only get better as they sit!