Pozole Verde: A Garden-to-Table Comfort Dish

Pozole Verde: A Garden-to-Table Comfort Dish

Nothing says comfort food quite like a steaming bowl of pozole verde. This dish is not only rich in flavor but also incredibly easy to make—so easy, in fact, that you might just feel a little guilty about how quickly it comes together! But don’t worry, we’re keeping the secret between us. Plus, if you love gardening, many of the ingredients can be grown right in your backyard, bringing freshness and a sense of fulfillment to your cooking.

A Garden-Fresh Approach to Pozole Verde

What makes this dish so special? The vibrant, tangy, and slightly spicy flavors of tomatillos, jalapeños, and cilantro—the heart of the verde sauce. If you’re a home gardener, these are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow.

• Tomatillos: These small green husked fruits thrive in warm weather and produce abundantly.

• Jalapeños: A versatile chili that adds the perfect amount of heat.

• Cilantro: A fast-growing herb that provides a bright, citrusy note to the dish.

By growing your own ingredients, you’ll not only get the best flavors but also reduce grocery costs and enjoy the benefits of organic gardening.

The Ultimate Easy Pozole Verde Recipe

Ingredients:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs (1/2 lb per person)

• Chicken broth (enough to just cover the chicken)

• Canned hominy (1-2 cans per 4 servings)

• Herdez tomatillo salsa (1 jar per pound of chicken)

Toppings:

• Tortilla chips or freshly fried corn tortillas

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Julienned radishes

• Chopped scallions

• Sliced serrano or Fresno chilies

• Sour cream

• Guacamole

Instructions:

1. Poach the Chicken: Place the thighs in a pot, cover with chicken broth, and add a jar of salsa. Simmer until fully cooked, skimming off any excess fat.

2. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the broth and shred. A KitchenAid with a paddle attachment makes quick work of this!

3. Build the Soup: Add the shredded chicken back to the broth, pour in the remaining salsa, and taste. Adjust as needed.

4. Add the Hominy: Stir in the hominy and let everything heat through. No extra salt needed—flavor perfection is already built in!

5. Serve & Enjoy: Ladle into bowls, load up on toppings, and dig in.

Bringing Garden Freshness to Every Bite

The beauty of pozole verde is that it’s endlessly customizable. Want more heat? Grow and add spicier peppers. Love fresh herbs? Toss in extra cilantro. By incorporating homegrown ingredients, you create a meal that’s not only nourishing but also a true labor of love.

So, why not start growing your own tomatillos and chilies this season? You’ll be amazed at how much better your pozole verde tastes when made with fresh, garden-harvested ingredients. Happy cooking and happy gardening!