This authentic Vegan Pozole is packed with smoky flavor from dried chiles and plant-based protein from beans. Don't skip the tasty toppings!
While I don't claim that most of my recipes are authentic to any one cuisine, this Vegan Pozole Rojo recipe (or Posole Rojo - same thing!) is based on the traditional Pozole we all know and love, just made vegan!
I used mushrooms for their meaty texture to mimic the traditionally used pork and pinto beans for some protein and bulk. No tomato paste here, the deep red color comes from the dried chili peppers.
I wanted to keep this recipe traditional and not use corn kernels but the traditionally used hominy (which means Pozole). I adore hominy, the fluffy little hominy kernels are like little dumplings, so good!
Pozole is usually served for special occasions and holidays in Mexico but since this recipe is ready in less than an hour, it's a great weeknight dinner too!
You can use the Instant Pot or Slow Cooker but you'll need to make the chili puree first. Otherwise, find the instructions for both methods below.
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🍲 Ingredients in Vegan Pozole
- Dried New Mexico chili peppers - you can find dried chiles at your local grocery store but if not, your local Mexican grocer will set you right.
- Dried chipotle chili peppers
- White onion - yellow onion also works
- Garlic cloves
- Avocado oil
- Cremini mushrooms - oyster mushrooms or portobella also work
- Ground cumin - my favorite is from Diaspora
- Bay Leaves
- Dried Mexican oregano
- Sea salt
- Pinto beans - you can also use black beans or kidney beans
- Hominy - I buy pre-prepared hominy but you can use dried and follow the instructions for preparing prior to diving into this recipe.
- Vegetable broth + water
See recipe card for quantities.
🌶 Pozole Garnishes
Pozole is traditionally served with a variety of toppings, here are some ideas:
- Sliced avocado
- Shredded cabbage
- Thinly sliced radish
- Sliced jalapeño
- lime juice / lime wedges
- Fresh cilantro
- Crispy tortilla chips or soft tortillas for scooping up the soup
- Vegan sour cream
What's the Difference Between Corn and Hominy?
Do you know the difference in corn and hominy? Hominy comes from yellow or white corn and is soaked in a lime solution that removes the hull and germ making the corn fluffy and easy to digest and cook with!
🔪 How to make Vegan Pozole Soup
Boil the chilies and onion in water until soft.
Drain the water from the chilies then blend until smooth.
Strain the puree through a fine mesh sieve.
Heat the oil in a 5-quart or larger Dutch oven and sauté the mushrooms and spices until browned.
Add the remaining ingredients to the pot and stir to combine, simmer for 20 minutes.
Top with optional toppings and serve.
Hint: You can find the full instructions on how to make this hearty soup in the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Instant Pot Method
Start by making the chili puree according to the instructions then proceed with the IP instructions:
- Turn the Instant Pot to sauté, add the avocado oil, and once hot, add in the mushrooms.
- Cook, while stirring occasionally, for 4-5 minutes until the mushrooms are browned.
- Add in the cumin, bay leaf, oregano, and sea salt. Stir to combine then pour in the blended chili sauce, bean, hominy, broth, and water.
- Cover and set the lid to the lock position and set the valve to sealed. Cancel the sauté function and set to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. At the end of the 10 minutes, manually release the pressure.
Slow Cooker Method
Start by making the chili puree according to the instructions then proceed with the slow cooker instructions:
- Combine the chili puree + all of the remaining ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4.
Storage
Refrigerator - store the leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freezer - this soup will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Freeze in freezer-safe bags or jars leaving a bit of room for the soup to expand as it freezes. I opt for Mason jars or silicone Stasher bags for freezing.
Reheating
Stovetop - reheat leftovers in a pot over medium heat until simmering. Alternatively, heat in the microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until warm.
Microwave - heat in 30-second increments, stirring between times, until warmed through.
💭 Top tip
This easy Mexican soup recipe is even better the next day after making it as the flavors deepen and intensify!
Did you make this recipe? Rate the recipe below via the ⭐️ + leave a comment. We love hearing from you! If you share a snap on social, be sure to tag @plantsapalooza and use the hashtag #plantsapalooza so that we can follow along!
📖 Recipe
Vegan Pozole
Ingredients
- 1 ½ ounces dried New Mexico chili peppers
- 1 ounce dried chipotle chili peppers
- 1 large white onion quartered
- 4 cloves garlic peeled
- 3 tablespoons avocado oil
- 8 ounces cremini mushrooms chopped
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt to taste
- 2 (15-ounce) cans pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (25-ounce) can hominy, rinsed and drained
- 8 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
- Optional garnishes: sliced avocado, shredded cabbage, sliced radish, sliced jalapeño, lime wedges
Instructions
- Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Remove the stems and seeds from the chilis then add them to the pot along with the onion and garlic. Simmer for 5-7 minutes or until the onions is soft and the chilis are rehydrated. Strain then add the vegetables and chilis to a blender along with ½ cup of the boiling water. Blend until smooth and strain through a fine mesh sieve. Set aside.
- Heat the avocado oil in a 6-quart Dutch oven over medium heat. Once hot, add in the mushrooms, allow to brown for 5-6 minutes. Add in the cumin, bay leaf, oregano, and sea salt. Cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the blended sauce to the pot along and stir to combine.
- Add the beans, hominy, vegetable broth, and water to the pot. Bring to a steady simmer for 20 minutes. Mix in the cilantro and season with salt to taste.
- To serve, top with your choice of toppings from the list above.
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