Paleo Posolé with Braised Pork Shoulder, Cumin and Squash

Posolé is an ancient traditional pre-Columbian soup or stew from Mexico often found in the regions of Sinaloa, Michoacán, Guerrero, Jalisco, Morelos, México and the Distrito Federal. It is traditionally made with pork or chicken and always includes hominy or maize, a large corn type grain. As the hominy cooks in the stew it begins to thicken the sauce. But, since corn products are a Paleo no-no, a substitution for hominy is necessary. A perfect substitute for this corn product is acorn or butternut squash. As the squash cooks in the stew, it begins to break down and thicken the sauce. This hearty dish is full flavored, and if spiciness or eat is a concern, be sure to reduce the amount of spice and pepper that you add. To further enhance and concentrate the flavors, be sure to make this dish at least 24 hours in advance of when you want to serve it.

Paleo Posole with Braised Pork Shoulder, Cumin and Squash

INGREDIENTS: (Serves 6)

• 2.5 lbs Boneless Pork Shoulder – tied
• 4 TBS. Olive Oil
• 1 Large or 2 Small Yellow Onions – Chopped
• 8 ea. Garlic Cloves – Crushed
• 2 tsp. Ground Cumin
• 2 tsp. Dried Oregano
• 2 tsp. Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• 6 cups chicken stock
• 1 ea. Jalapeno pepper – chopped. NOTE: for milder flavor, carefully remove seeds and veins
• 4 cups Acorn or Butternut Squash – peeled, seeds removed and cut into 1” cubes
• Sea Salt
• 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro – leaves removed from stems

PROCEDURE: In large Stock pot heat ½ of oil on medium high heat. Sear pork shoulder on all sides for aprox 5-7 minutes total. Remove pork to platter and add onion, garlic, cumin, oregano and red pepper flakes to stock pot and saut&eqcute; for 5 minutes until browned. Increase heat to medium high and add 1 cup of stock to deglaze bottom of pot. While bubbling, use a metal spoon or whisk to scrape browned bits (fond) from bottom of pot. When loosened, add remainder of stock and pork to pot. Bring contents to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to a simmer. Braise pork on top of stove for one hour, turning meat over in the broth every 15 minutes or so. Near end of the hour, heat remainder of oil in large skillet and sauté the squash and jalapeño pieces for 5 minutes. Add the squash and jalapeños to the stock pot. Bring stock pot to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low and simmer contents for 1 hour turning the meat over in broth every 15-20 minutes. After 1 hour, remove tied pork shoulder, allow to cool enough to handle, then cut it into 1” cubes and add it back to the pot, along with any accumulated juices. Season to taste with sea salt & pepper and stir in 6 TBS. (1 large handful) of Cilantro leaves. Serve each bowl garnished with additional cilantro leaves.

NUTRITION INFO: (Per Serving) Calories 427, Total Fat 20.8g, Sat Fat 5.7g, Cholest. 120.4mg, Sodium 87.6mg, Carb. 15.5g, Fiber 2.9g, Sugars 4.1g, Protein 43.5g

By Craig on Tuesday, January, 13, 2015