Poz-OLÉ!

My favorite soup is actually a stew. Pozole. It’s the most wonderful stew out there because it can take many different forms. It can be red, white, and green- just like the Mexican flag. It can be simple, or you can customize it to be whatever you want. You can add spice in the form of chili powder, if you’re feeling spicy that day, or you can leave it plain and still enjoy every spoonful. It’s a veggie-lovers dream without being vegetarian. You can add lettuce or cabbage, radish, onion and avocado. It’s perfect for any occasion. Birthday party? Pozole. Graduation?Pozole. Funeral? Pozole.

It’s comfort food for those that want some good ol’ Mexican comfort food. It’s like being wrapped in a soft cozy blanket, especially in the winter time. The different layers of flavor make eating pozole enjoyable every time. It takes time to make, but it will be gone within seconds.

Let’s get something straight, it’s not pozole if it’s made with chicken, that’s chicken soup. No. I’m talking about the beefy goodness that simmers in a pot along with hominy kernels for hours, releasing abundant flavor and making it impossible to only have just one plate. It’s always at least, one and a half servings to make it worthwhile.

The iconic pozolé bowl sold at various grocery stores.

And let’s not forget, one of the most important parts of eating pozole is the bowl you use. There are cereal bowls and then there are pozole bowls. Every hispanic child knows exactly which bowl is for pozole because of the trademark green, brown, red or black ring on the inside of the bowl. The right bowl has to be big enough for you to load up with all your favorite toppings. It’s the type of bowl you can recognize the minute you see it.

Pozole has been a staple in my family for as long as I can remember. There has never been anyone in my family that turned down pozole. Maybe my vegetarian aunt and uncle, but other than that, it’s always the best option. Pozole reminds me of good memories, like my dad’s 40th birthday and Mexican Independence Day celebrations.

There is no need for a special event to bring family together. Especially when food is involved.

For some, pozole reminds them of home, and visiting family on special occasions. It’s more than just food, it’s memories that we share with the people around us and the ones we love the most.

Pozole is a stew that you can’t turn down. If it’s made correctly, it can be the best thing in the world. If it is made incorrectly, well then, that’s on you.