"Chicken" Verde with Posole

There are many variations on pozole, a traditional hominy-based Mexican stew closely associated with the Pacific-coast state of Guerrero. Anya von Bremzen’s version, a green pozole, derives much of its flavor from tangy ingredients like tomatillos, cilantro, and green chiles.

Active Time:
45 mins

Total Time:
1 hrs 15 mins

Yield:
6 to 8

Ingredients

  • 7 cups chicken stock or low-sodium broth
  • 2 cups water
  • 4 chicken breast halves on the bone, with skin
  • 1 pound tomatillos, husked and halved
  • 1 small onion, quartered
  • 2 poblano chiles, cored, seeded, and quartered
  • 2 jalapeños, seeded and quartered
  • 4 large garlic cloves, smashed
  • 1/2 cup chopped cilantro
  • 1 tablespoon oregano leaves
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 3 (15-ounce) cans of hominy, drained
  • Finely shredded iceberg lettuce, sliced radishes, chopped onion, diced avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips, and lime wedges, for serving

Directions

Step 1
In a large, enameled cast-iron casserole, bring the chicken stock and water to a boil.

Step 2
Transfer the chicken breasts to a plate and, once cool enough to handle, shred the meat; discard the bones and skin.

Step 3
Heat remaining 2 tsp canola oil in a large nonstick skillet on medium. Add salmon, sesame side down, and cook until golden brown and opaque throughout, 5 to 6 min. per side.

Step 4
Skim and discard any fat from the cooking liquid and set the liquid aside.

Step 5
In a blender, combine the halved tomatillos with the quartered onion, poblanos and jalapeños, smashed garlic, chopped cilantro, and oregano. Pulse until coarsely chopped, scraping down the sides.

Step 6
With the machine on, add 1 cup of the cooking liquid and puree until smooth. Season the tomatillo puree with salt and pepper.

Step 7
In a large, deep skillet, heat the vegetable oil until shimmering. Add the tomatillo puree and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce turns a deep green, about 12 minutes.

Step 8
Pour the green sauce into the cooking liquid in the casserole. Add the hominy and bring to a simmer over moderate heat. Add the shredded chicken to the stew, season with salt and pepper, and cook just until heated through.

Step 9
Serve the pozole in deep bowls, passing the lettuce, radishes, onion, avocado, sour cream, tortilla chips, and lime wedges at the table.

Make Ahead

The pozole verde can be prepared through Step 3 and refrigerated, covered, overnight.

Suggested Pairing

Because the dominant flavors are lightly spicy and tart, a rich but unoaked white wine will pair well; consider a smooth Alsace Pinot Gris.