Pozole

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup or stew made primarily from hominy-style nixtamalized maize, usually cacahuazintle, cooked with meat and seasoned with chiles and other ingredients.

Pozole is a traditional Mexican soup or stew made from nixtamalized maize and meat. It has pre-Hispanic roots and is a staple of Mexican celebrations.

What it is

Pozole is a hearty broth-based dish built on large nixtamalized maize kernels, typically cacahuazintle, that bloom during cooking. The maize is simmered with pork, chicken, or seafood, then seasoned with chiles and served with fresh garnishes. The name comes from Nahuatl pozolli, meaning 'foamy' or 'boiled', referring to the soup's appearance.

Key details

Three common regional types exist: pozole blanco (white), pozole rojo (red, with chiles), and pozole verde (green, with tomatillo or pumpkin-seed sauce). Typical toppings include shredded lettuce, sliced radish, chopped onion, oregano, and lime. Recipes vary widely by region and occasion.

Cultural role

Pozole dates to pre-Hispanic Mesoamerica and remains strongly tied to Mexican identity and festivities, such as national holidays and family gatherings. In Canada, it is served in Mexican restaurants and home kitchens, especially within communities with Latin American ties.