Zesty Barley Pozole with Hominy and Green Chilies

Barley Pozole (Mexican Barley and Hominy)

Warm up with a bowl of hearty Barley Pozole, a delightful Mexican-inspired dish featuring wholesome barley, tender hominy, and a zesty kick. This recipe from lovewithrecipes.com combines vibrant flavors and nutritious ingredients to create a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a satisfying lunch or a flavorful dinner, this Barley Pozole will surely impress with its robust taste and simplicity.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 Anaheim chilies, seeded and chopped
• 4 jalapeño chiles, seeded and finely chopped
• 8 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option)
• 1 cup pearl barley
• 1 can (15 ounces) hominy, drained and rinsed
• 2 cups salsa verde
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• Shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
• Sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil
   In a large pot with a lid, warm the olive oil over medium heat. This step ensures that your flavors are well-developed and that the onions and chiles will sauté perfectly.

2. Sauté the Vegetables
   Add the diced onion, Anaheim chilies, and jalapeño chiles to the pot. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the chiles are fragrant.

3. Add Barley and Broth
   Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth and stir in the pearl barley. Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil.

4. Simmer
   Once boiling, reduce the heat, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 30 minutes. This allows the barley to cook through and absorb the flavors of the broth and vegetables.

5. Incorporate Hominy and Salsa
   Stir in the remaining 4 cups of chicken broth, hominy, salsa verde, and ground cumin. Continue to cook for an additional 20 minutes, or until the barley is tender and the flavors have melded together beautifully.

6. Serve
   Ladle the Barley Pozole into bowls. For an extra touch of indulgence, top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese and garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 161.9
• Fat: 2.6g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 847.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 27.9g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 3.9g
• Protein: 6.8g

Tips

• Adjust the Spice Level
  If you prefer a milder pozole, reduce the number of jalapeño chiles or omit them altogether. For those who like it extra spicy, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or extra chopped chilies.

• Customize Your Toppings
  Beyond cheddar cheese and green onions, you can customize your pozole with other toppings such as diced avocado, cilantro, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.

• Make It Vegetarian
  To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth. The flavor will remain rich and satisfying, perfect for a plant-based diet.

Enjoy this delicious Barley Pozole as a comforting meal that brings the heartiness of barley and the tanginess of salsa verde together in a delightful bowl. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.