Christmas Style Steak Posole is a warm, hearty dish perfect for the holiday season. It combines savory steak, hominy, and flavorful spices to create a soup that warms you from the inside out. This recipe offers a unique twist on traditional posole, making it a wonderful addition to your festive menu. You can enjoy this dish with family and friends, bringing everyone together during the most wonderful time of the year.
Posole, a traditional Mexican dish, usually features hominy, a type of corn treated to remove the hull. It’s often served with meats and can be customized with various toppings. This Christmas Style Steak Posole recipe enhances the classic flavors with the addition of green and red chiles, allowing you to experience a blend of festive flavors.
Why make this recipe
You should make Christmas Style Steak Posole for several reasons. First, it is warm and comforting, making it ideal for chilly winter months. Second, it is a crowd-pleaser, and great for serving during holiday gatherings. The robust flavors and tender steak will make it a favorite among your guests. Moreover, preparing posole allows you to explore traditional Mexican cooking techniques while adapting them to your holiday menu. Plus, you can easily make it ahead of time, leaving more time for you to enjoy the celebrations with loved ones.
This recipe is not only delicious; it also offers health benefits. Using lean steak provides protein, while hominy is a great source of fiber and vitamins. The green chiles add an extra kick of spice and contain antioxidants. Overall, Christmas Style Steak Posole is a nourishing dish that will make your home feel festive and filled with warmth.
How to make Christmas Style Steak Posole
Making Christmas Style Steak Posole is straightforward and requires only a few essential steps. With each step, you will soon have a tasty dish simmering on the stove. Follow this guide carefully, and you will create a delightful meal that everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients:
- 5-6 pounds steak cut in large chunks (2.3-2.7 kg)
- 1 cup carrots, chopped (150 g)
- 2 tablespoons salt (30 g)
- 1 tablespoon garlic, chopped (8 g)
- 28 oz green chile (792 g)
- 1 tablespoon red chile powder (7 g)
- 48 ounces canned or fresh hominy (1360 g)
- Diced onions (optional for garnish)
- Oregano (optional for garnish)
Directions:
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Begin by adding the steak to a large Dutch oven. Pour in enough water to cover the meat, leaving a couple of inches from the top. This helps prevent boiling over during cooking.
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Next, sprinkle in the salt and chopped garlic. These ingredients will contribute great flavor to the broth.
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Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat slightly. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 hours. It’s essential to keep a close eye on the pot during this time. If the water starts to boil over, adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer.
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As the soup cooks, water may evaporate. Be sure to add water periodically, so the meat continues to be covered. This will ensure that it stays moist and tender.
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When the steak becomes tender, remove it from the pot. Use two forks to shred the meat, discarding any excess fat. Alternatively, you could cut the meat into bite-sized chunks if you prefer a different texture.
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Now, add the green chile and red chile powder to the pot. These ingredients will enhance the flavor profile of your posole.
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Stir in the hominy, which gives the dish its characteristic texture and heartiness.
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Let everything cook together for an additional 30 to 40 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen.
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Taste your soup and add more salt if needed. Seasoning is critical for achieving the perfect balance of flavors.
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If desired, serve your Christmas Style Steak Posole with diced onions and oregano as garnishes. They can brighten up the flavors and presentation of the dish.
How to serve Christmas Style Steak Posole
When serving Christmas Style Steak Posole, use large bowls to allow room for toppings and garnishes. Ladle the steaming soup into the bowls and let your guests embellish their portions with diced onions and oregano according to their taste. Offer crispy tortilla chips or warm corn tortillas on the side for added texture and enjoyment. This meal works wonderfully as the main dish during festive celebrations, accompanied by a fresh salad or simple rice if desired.
How to store Christmas Style Steak Posole
If you have leftover Christmas Style Steak Posole, it stores very well. Place the cooled soup in airtight containers. It can remain in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a bit of water or broth to bring back the soup’s original consistency.
For longer storage, you can freeze the posole. It holds up in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm it on the stove over low heat until heated through.
Tips to make Christmas Style Steak Posole
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Choose the Right Cut of Steak: Use cuts like chuck or brisket, as these will become tender after several hours of cooking.
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Customize the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder soup, you can reduce the amount of green chile and red chile powder. Enhance flavors gradually to ensure it fits your preference.
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Make Ahead: This dish can be made a day ahead of time. The flavors will deepen and improve overnight in the fridge.
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Add More Vegetables: You can add other vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for an extra dose of nutrition.
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Thicken the Soup: If you like a thicker consistency, blend a portion of the hominy and then return it to the pot.
Variation (if any)
If you want a variation, you can try using a different protein like pork or chicken. Each alternative will create a unique flavor profile while maintaining the essences of traditional posole. You could also explore vegetarian versions by substituting meat with beans or mushrooms while keeping the hominy and spices intact.
FAQs
Q: Can I use fresh hominy instead of canned?
A: Yes, using fresh hominy works beautifully. Simply cook it according to package directions before adding it to your posole.
Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: The spiciness depends on the type and amount of chiles you use. Adjust according to your heat preference.
Q: Can I store leftovers?
A: Yes, you can store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: What can I serve with posole?
A: Posole is hearty enough on its own, but you can serve it with tortilla chips, bread, or a salad for a complete meal.
Q: How long does this dish last?
A: When stored properly, Christmas Style Steak Posole can last in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Enjoy this delightful holiday recipe that captures the warmth of Christmas while bringing family and friends together in a festive atmosphere. With these simple steps, you are on your way to creating a memorable dish that everyone will cherish.