Ingredients

3 large poblano chiles (1 lb. total)

6 garlic cloves

1 large onion

29 oz white hominy

1.5 lbs. boned, skinned chicken thighs

0.5 tsp. kosher salt

2 tsp. dried Mexican oregano, divided

2 tbsp. olive oil

3 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth

3 tbsp. ground red New Mexico chiles

Garnishes: sliced avocado, lime wedges, cilantro springs, and sour cream

Preparation

  1. Preheat broiler. When hot, broil poblanos on a baking sheet until blackened, turning as needed, about 15 minutes.

  2. Meanwhile, in a food processor, whirl garlic to mince. Cut onion in chunks and pulse with garlic until chopped; set aside. Drain hominy; set aside.

  3. Cut chicken into 1- to 1.5-in. chunks and sprinkle with salt and 1 tsp. oregano. Heat oil in a 5- to 6-qt. pan over high heat. Brown half the chicken lightly, stirring occasionally, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer meat to a plate. Repeat with remaining chicken.

  4. Reduce heat to medium-high. Add onion mixture and remaining 1 tsp. oregano to pan and saute until onion is softened, 3 minutes. Meanwhile, in a microwave-safe bowl, microwave broth until steaming, about 3 minutes. Add ground chiles to pan and cook, stirring, about 30 seconds.

  5. Add broth, hominy, and chicken to pan. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer to blend flavors, 10 minutes.

  6. Remove stems, skins, and seeds from poblanos and discard; chop poblanos.

  7. Stir poblanos into posole and cook 1 minute. Ladle into bowls; top with garnishes.

Per serving: 436 cal. 39% (169 cal.) from fat; 32 g protein; 19 g fat (4.2 g sat.); 36 g carbo (7.2 g fiber); 715 mg sodium; 89 mg chol.

Sunset Magazine, January 2010