Pozole Rojo

Ingredients

• 1 pcs Ancho Chile
• 4 pcs Guajillo Chile
• 450 g Pork Shoulder
• 400 g White Hominy
• 1 pcs White Onion
• 4 pcs Garlic
• 750 ml Chicken Stock
• 2 pcs Bay Leaves
• 1 tsp Mexican Oregano
• 0.5 tsp Cumin
• 1.3333333333333333 tbsp Kosher Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black Pepper
• 150 g Cabbage
• 4 pcs Radishes
• 10 g Cilantro
• 1 pcs Lime
• 4 pcs Corn Tortillas

Method

1. Thinly slice {cabbage}, {radishes}, and {lime}, and roughly chop {cilantro}. Keep chilled so the finish stays crisp and bright.
2. Heat a dry skillet or comal over medium heat and toast {guajillo_chile} and {ancho_chile} briefly, turning often for fragrant, pliable skins without scorching, because burnt chiles turn bitter fast.
3. Cover the toasted {guajillo_chile} and {ancho_chile} with hot water and soak until softened and fully flexible.
4. Pat {pork_shoulder} dry, then heat a heavy pot over medium-high heat. Season with {kosher_salt} and {black_pepper}, sear in a single layer until deeply browned on several sides, and let fond develop for a richer broth.
5. Lower to medium heat, add {white_onion} to the pot with a pinch of {kosher_salt}, and sauté until softened and lightly golden. Add {garlic} and cook until fragrant and sweet, scraping up the fond as it loosens.
6. Drain the softened {guajillo_chile} and {ancho_chile}, then blend with part of the {chicken_stock}, {cumin}, {mexican_oregano}, and a little {white_onion} until completely smooth and brick red.
7. Return the pot to medium heat, pour in the chile sauce, and cook until darker and fragrant. Add the remaining {chicken_stock}, {bay_leaves}, {white_hominy}, and the seared {pork_shoulder}. Season with more {kosher_salt}, then simmer gently until the pork is tender and the broth tastes rounded and deep.
8. Warm {corn_tortillas} on a dry skillet over medium heat until soft, flexible, and lightly spotted.
9. Taste the pozole and adjust with {kosher_salt}. Ladle into bowls and finish with {cabbage}, {radishes}, {cilantro}, and a generous squeeze of {lime} for crunch and brightness. Serve with {corn_tortillas} alongside if using.