Zesty Bean Posole

Summary

Posole is a hearty Mexican stew spiced with chiles and brimming with hominy—corn kernels with the hulls removed removed. Hominy has a chewy texture much like barley. In place of chiles, jarred salsa and cream add richness.

Time

Prep: 10 min. Slow cook: 3 hr. 30 min.

Yield

Makes 6 servings

Ingredients

• 2 15- to 16-oz. cans golden hominy, rinsed and drained
• 2 15- to 16-oz. cans red beans, rinsed and drained
• 3 1/2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 1 16-oz. jar thick and chunky medium salsa (1 2/3 cups)
• 2 tsp. dried oregano, crushed
• 1/2 cup whipping cream or half-and-half
• 2 tbsp. all-purpose flour
• Slivered green onions
• Shredded cheese (optional)

Method

1. In a 4-quart slow cooker combine hominy, beans, broth, salsa, and oregano. cover; cook on low-heat setting 7 to 8 hours or on high-heat setting 3 1/2 to 4 hours
2. With 30 minutes of cook time remaining, increase to high-heat setting if necessary. In a small bowl stire together cream and flour until smooth; stir into mixture in cooker. Cover; cook for 30 minutes more or until mixture is slightly thickened.
3. To serve, ladle soup into bowls. Top with green onions and shredded cheese, if desired.