Posole with Bacon

Posole with Bacon
Posole with Bacon
When stewed, the dried corn kernels sold as "posole" or "hominy" expand and become tender. At Cafe San Estevan, in Santa Fe, New Mexico, chef Esteven Garcia makes posole as a mild, brothy side dish, unlike the heartier and spicier stew type.
  • Preparing Time: -
  • Total Time: -
  • Served Person: Makes 6 side-dish servings
Mexican Side Bacon Fall Oregano Hominy/Cornmeal/Masa Simmer Gourmet
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 4 quarts water
  • 3 large garlic cloves
  • 1/2 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup dried white posole* (sometimes called hominy; 5 ounces)
  • 1 (6-ounce) piece meaty smoked bacon such as black forest, top 1/4 inch of fat discarded and bacon cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 fresh oregano sprigs or 1/4 teaspoon crumbled dried oregano

Preparation Rinse posole in a sieve under cold running water, then soak in a bowl of cold water to cover by 1 inch, chilled, 8 to 24 hours. Drain and rinse soaked posole under cold running water, then transfer to a 6-quart pot. Add 4 quarts water, bacon, garlic, onion, and oregano (do not add salt) and simmer gently, uncovered, over low heat until posole has flowered (burst open) and liquid just barely covers posole, 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Discard garlic cloves and oregano sprigs, then stir in salt and simmer 5 to 10 minutes more. Available at Latino markets and by mail order from Kitchen/Market (888-468-4433). Cooks' note:

Preparation Rinse posole in a sieve under cold running water, then soak in a bowl of cold water to cover by 1 inch, chilled, 8 to 24 hours. Drain and rinse soaked posole under cold running water, then transfer to a 6-quart pot. Add 4 quarts water, bacon, garlic, onion, and oregano (do not add salt) and simmer gently, uncovered, over low heat until posole has flowered (burst open) and liquid just barely covers posole, 3 to 3 1/2 hours. Discard garlic cloves and oregano sprigs, then stir in salt and simmer 5 to 10 minutes more. Available at Latino markets and by mail order from Kitchen/Market (888-468-4433). Cooks' note: