Pork Butt Dinner 5! Green Pozole Life Hack
Pork Butt Dinner 5! Green Pozole Life Hack is a easy Mexican recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by benjamins.kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 4 hrs | Total: 4 hrs 30 min
Cost: $17.09 total, $4.27 per serving
Ingredients
- 3.5 cups Shredded Pork (leftover pork butt, shredded)
- 1 can (15 oz) Hominy (drained and rinsed)
- 1 cup Green Tomatillo Sauce (leftover sauce, can be homemade or store‑bought)
- 4 cups Chicken Broth (made with Better Than Bouillon chicken base)
- 1 tsp Salt (to taste)
- 1 cup Cabbage (shredded, white cabbage)
- 0.5 cup White Onion (diced)
- 0.5 cup Radishes (sliced)
- 2 tbsp Lime Juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 piece Jalapeno (sliced, optional for heat)
- 2 tbsp Cilantro (chopped, optional)
Instructions
Shred the leftover pork
Take the cooked pork butt and use two forks to pull apart into bite‑size shreds, about 3‑4 cups.
Time: PT5M
Rinse the hominy
Open the can of hominy, pour into a strainer and rinse under cold water, then drain well.
Time: PT2M
Combine pork, hominy and tomatillo sauce
Add the shredded pork, rinsed hominy, and 1 cup of green tomatillo sauce into the crock pot. Stir to distribute evenly.
Time: PT3M
Add chicken broth
Pour in 4 cups of chicken broth (made with Better Than Bouillon). Start with 2 cups, stir, then add the remaining 2 cups to reach desired consistency.
Time: PT2M
Cook the soup
Cover the crock pot. Set to Low and cook for 4 hours, or High for 1 hour if you need it quickly.
Time: PT4H
Prepare fresh toppings
While the soup cooks, shred 1 cup cabbage, dice ½ cup white onion, slice ½ cup radishes, slice jalapeno, chop cilantro, and squeeze 2 tbsp lime juice.
Time: PT10M
Season the soup
When cooking time is done, taste the soup and add salt as needed, stirring gently.
Time: PT2M
Serve
Ladle hot soup into bowls and top with prepared cabbage, onion, radishes, jalapeno, cilantro and a drizzle of lime juice.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 5g
Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, High-Protein
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Shredded Pork: Rotisserie chicken, shredded, Cooked pulled pork
- Instead of Hominy: Corn kernels
- Instead of Green Tomatillo Sauce: Salsa verde
- Instead of Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth, Water with bouillon cube
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Cabbage: Napa cabbage
- Instead of White Onion: Red onion, Yellow onion
- Instead of Radishes: Cucumber slices
- Instead of Lime Juice: Bottled lime juice
- Instead of Jalapeno: Serrano pepper, Chipotle
- Instead of Cilantro: Parsley
Equipment Needed
- Crock Pot (Slow Cooker)
- Cutting Board
- Chef Knife
- Ladle
- Strainer (optional)
- Measuring Cups
- Mixing Spoon
- Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Shredding the pork into bite‑size pieces
- Ensuring enough liquid (broth) to keep soup soupy
- Seasoning at the end to adjust salt
- Preparing fresh toppings just before serving
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use fresh tomatillo sauce for bright flavor.
- Add a slice of avocado on top for creaminess.
- A squeeze of extra lime juice right before eating brightens the soup.
Troubleshooting
Soup is too thick
Add additional chicken broth or water, ½ cup at a time, until desired consistency.
Soup is too salty
Stir in a splash of water or unsalted broth and taste again.
Pork is dry
Add more broth and let simmer a few more minutes; shredded pork reabsorbs moisture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in freezer‑safe containers for up to 2 months.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Rinse and drain hominy ahead of time and store in the fridge.
- Prepare the fresh toppings and keep them in separate containers.
- The soup can be fully cooked, cooled, and frozen; reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of pork hominy soup in Mexican cuisine?
Pork hominy soup, known as pozole, is a traditional Mexican stew that dates back to pre‑Hispanic times, originally made with hominy and meat for ceremonial feasts. It symbolizes community and celebration, often served at birthdays, holidays, and family gatherings.
What are the regional variations of pork hominy soup (pozole) in Mexican cuisine?
In Mexico, pozole varies by region: rojo (red) uses dried chilies, verde (green) features tomatillo and green chilies, and blanco (white) is a simple broth. Each region adds its own herbs, spices, and garnish traditions.
How is pork hominy soup traditionally served in Mexican culture?
Traditionally, the soup is ladled into shallow bowls and topped with shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, chopped onion, lime wedges, cilantro, and dried oregano. Guests add toppings to suit their taste, creating a personalized flavor profile.
What occasions or celebrations is pork hominy soup traditionally associated with in Mexican culture?
Pozole is a staple for celebrations such as Mexican Independence Day, Christmas, New Year's, birthdays, and weddings. Its hearty nature makes it perfect for feeding large groups during festive gatherings.
How does pork hominy soup fit into the broader Mexican cuisine tradition?
Pozole showcases core Mexican ingredients—corn (hominy), pork, chilies, and fresh herbs—reflecting the blend of indigenous and Spanish influences that define Mexican cooking. It exemplifies the communal, flavor‑rich style of Mexican meals.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for pork hominy soup versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include pork shoulder or butt, white hominy, dried chilies (ancho, guajillo), tomatillos for verde, and fresh garnishes. Substitutes can be rotisserie chicken for pork, canned corn for hominy, or store‑bought salsa verde in place of homemade tomatillo sauce.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with pork hominy soup?
Pork hominy soup pairs beautifully with warm corn tortillas, Mexican rice, refried beans, and a side of fresh guacamole. A light margarita or agua fresca complements the rich broth.
How has pork hominy soup evolved over time in Mexican cuisine?
Originally a ceremonial dish cooked over open fire, pozole has modernized with stovetop and slow‑cooker methods, allowing busy families to enjoy the traditional flavors with less hands‑on time while preserving its cultural roots.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making pork hominy soup at home?
Common mistakes include using too little broth, resulting in a dry stew; over‑cooking the pork so it becomes tough; and adding salt before tasting the broth, which can make the soup overly salty. Adjust liquid and season at the end.
Can I make pork hominy soup ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can fully cook the soup, let it cool, then refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.
What does the YouTube channel benjamins.kitchen specialize in?
The YouTube channel benjamins.kitchen specializes in practical, family‑focused recipes that maximize leftovers and time‑saving techniques, often featuring slow‑cooker and one‑pot meals for busy parents.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
