Recipe: Make Mexican vegan pozole soup at home
Pozole, a traditional Mexican soup, has warmed hearts and bellies for centuries. Originally celebrated on special occasions, this dish now embraces a vegan version that retains its rich flavors and heartiness. It demonstrates the versatility of Mexican cuisine. Let's begin cooking to introduce a taste of Mexico into your kitchen, honoring its cultural significance while adapting to modern dietary preferences.
Gather the following ingredients
For vegan pozole, gather two tablespoons olive oil, one large onion, four cloves garlic, one tablespoon ground cumin, two teaspoons dried oregano, three tablespoons chili powder, eight cups vegetable broth, three 15-ounce cans hominy, two 15-ounce cans black or pinto beans, two cups diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper. Garnish with sliced radishes, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, and lime wedges.
Prepare the base
Begin by heating two tablespoons of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Next, add the chopped onion and cook until it becomes translucent, which should take about five minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for another minute until it's fragrant. This crucial step establishes the aromatic foundation that is essential for our pozole.
Spice it up
Sprinkle the ground cumin, dried oregano, and chili powder into the pot with the onions and garlic. Stir everything well to ensure these spices are thoroughly combined with the aromatics. Let them cook for about two minutes. This crucial step helps release their flavors into the oil, creating a deeply flavored base essential for an authentic-tasting pozole.
Add main ingredients
Pour in the vegetable broth, then add both hominy and beans into the spiced base. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to simmer it uncovered for about 20 minutes, allowing all flavors to meld together beautifully. The hominy's chewy texture, combined with the beans, adds a satisfying heartiness to the dish, making it fulfilling even without the presence of meat.
Final touches
Add diced tomatoes in the last cooking minutes to warm, keeping their firmness for freshness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with radishes, avocado, cilantro, and lime wedges, allowing diners to customize their bowl as they prefer. This method ensures a personalized dining experience for each guest, enhancing the enjoyment of the meal.