Mexican Beef, Squash, & Hominy Soup
This soup is amazing as is. It’s from an early 2000’s issue of Sunset Magazine. It’s basically a pazole with squash. The recipe is versatile enough you can add whatever vegetables, squash, or grain you have on hand. I’ve thrown in poblano peppers, subbed the hominy for millet (a little too squishy for my taste) or farro (good chewiness), and used a variety of squash (butternut, kabocha) all with good results.
(photo credi: AimeeMars.com)
ingredients
2 pounds fat-trimmed boned beef chuck or stew meat, rinsed and cut into 3/4-inch chunks
1 onion peeled and chopped
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
3 quarts fat-skimmed beef broth
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes
2 pounds banana squash
2 stalks celery
1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilies
2 cans (15 oz. each) golden or white hominy, drained and rinsed, or 4 cups frozen corn kernels
Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish with sour cream, fresh cilantro, cheese, radish, & fresh pickled jalapeños
directions
In a covered 8- to 10-quart pan over high heat, bring beef, onion, garlic, and 1/2 cup water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Uncover and cook over high heat, stirring often, until juices have evaporated and meat is browned, 10 to 20 minutes.
Add chili powder (use larger amount for spicier flavor) and cumin; stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds, then add broth and tomatoes, including juice. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until meat is almost tender to bite, about 1 hour.
Meanwhile, slice peel off squash and cut flesh into 3/4-inch cubes. Rinse celery and slice diagonally 1/4 inch thick.
Add squash, celery, and green chilies; cover and return to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until squash and beef are tender when pierced, about 15 minutes longer.
Stir in hominy and return to a boil. Skim and discard fat.
Add salt and pepper to taste.
Serve soup from pan, or pour into a tureen. Garnish as desired.
Do ahead: Prepare soup through step 4 (except do not return soup to boil after adding hominy and do not skim fat) up to 1 day ahead; cool, cover, and chill. To finish, lift off and discard solid fat. Reheat to serve.
yield
Makes 5 to 6 quarts; 10 to 12 servings
