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Something different for Thanksgiving. Never heard of posole? Historians think posole originated with the storage of corn in damp limestone caves by the pre-Columbian Anasazi. Today posole is made when kernels of corn are soaked in lime water, then hulled and dried.
Posole is used for soup or stew -- generally combined with pork (or other meat), chili, and other seasonings and often served with chopped lettuce, radishes, onions, and fresh cilantro, which people can add as they please. You might want to add a pinch of saffron to this dish, which gives posole a lovely golden color and a wonderful aromatic flavor. Bay leaves, ground coriander or fresh lime juice may be also added. It is traditionally served on Christmas Eve to celebrate life's blessings. Thanksgiving is a holiday which also celebrates life’s bounty!
Make in advance because it actually tastes better a day or two later. Great complement to turkey or unturkey. Satisfying made traditionally with meat or made vegetarian (see below).
Serves 8 as a side dish
| one 12-oz package Los Chileros posole | choose either 1 package Tofurky sausages, smoky tempeh strips, 2 lbs cubed meat, or 1 package duck, turkey or regular bacon |
| 1 tsp sea salt | 1 can Eden pinto beans, optional |
| 2 tb Los Chileros posole spice blend | 2 tsp chopped cilantro, optional sides, see below, optional |
| 1 14.5-oz can Eden diced tomatoes | |
| 4 cloves garlic, diced | |
| 1 chopped onion (about 2 cups) |
Put posole into non-reactive pan (enamel, stainless steel) and cover with water. Soak overnight. Add salt to water and boil posole 2 hours (I covered my pot). Add remaining ingredients except cilantro and sides. Cover and simmer on low heat for another hour. You can stir occasionally, but it’s not necessary. (If you’re using Tofurky, you might want to wait and add them the last five minutes so they are at their most flavorful and tender.)
Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Serve with sides like chopped lettuce, sliced radishes, more chopped onions and fresh cilantro. This is comfort food. It’s nice and chewy too!