Pork and Hominy Stew

A Hearty and Flavorful Pork and Hominy Stew

As a busy working mom, I'm always on the lookout for recipes that are both delicious and easy to make. This Pork and Hominy Stew fits the bill perfectly! It's a hearty, flavorful dish that's surprisingly simple to whip up, even on a weeknight. The best part? It's incredibly versatile. You can adjust the spices to your liking, and it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. I often serve it with a simple side salad and some crusty bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

The inspiration for this recipe came from my travels. I was in Mexico a few years ago, and I fell in love with the local cuisine. Posole, a traditional Mexican stew, was a particular favorite. This Pork and Hominy Stew is my own take on that classic dish, a simpler version perfect for my busy life. The rich, savory broth, tender pork, and the slightly sweet hominy create a delightful flavor combination. I love the subtle warmth of the cumin and the freshness of the cilantro. It's a dish that's both comforting and exciting, a perfect balance of familiar and exotic flavors. The beauty of this stew is its adaptability. You can easily adjust the ingredients to your liking – add different types of chili peppers for a spicier kick, or use bone-in pork shoulder for an even richer flavor. Feel free to experiment!

One of the things I appreciate most about this recipe is its make-ahead potential. You can prepare the stew ahead of time and simply reheat it before serving. This is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when time is of the essence. I often make a large batch on the weekend and store it in the refrigerator for quick and easy meals throughout the week. It reheats beautifully and actually tastes even better the next day! So, whether you're a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this Pork and Hominy Stew is a must-try. It's a delicious and satisfying meal that's sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and let me know what you think!

Serving Suggestions: This stew is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Yellow Rice: The slight sweetness of yellow rice complements the savory stew perfectly.
• Avocado, Grapefruit, and Red Onion Salad: The bright citrus notes and creamy avocado provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty stew.
• Cinnamon-Spiced Brownies: A surprising but delightful dessert pairing, the sweetness of the brownies balances the savory stew beautifully.
• Cornbread: A classic pairing for any stew, cornbread adds a touch of sweetness and texture.
• Crusty Bread: Perfect for sopping up the delicious broth.

Variations:

• Spice it up: Add more chili peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
• Add vegetables: Incorporate other vegetables like diced carrots, potatoes, or bell peppers for added nutrients and flavor.
• Use different protein: Substitute chicken or beef for the pork.
• Make it a vegetarian stew: Omit the pork and add hearty vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini and eggplant. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.

This Pork and Hominy Stew is more than just a meal; it's an experience. It's a taste of comfort, a celebration of flavor, and a testament to the power of simple ingredients transformed into something extraordinary. I encourage you to give it a try and create your own culinary adventure.

Step-by-step

• Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Add pork, onions and cumin and sauté until pork is brown, about 5 minutes.
• Add flour and stir 2 minutes.
• Add broth and hominy.
• Reduce heat to medium and simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 20 minutes.
• Stir in chilies and 6 tablespoons cilantro.
• Simmer 2 minutes.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Sprinkle with remaining 2 tablespoons cilantro and serve.