Easy Smoky Aardvark Pozole (Weeknight Edition)

Comfort food with a kick—and no four-hour simmer required.

Traditional pozole is amazing…but also kind of a project. This easy Mexican-style soup gives you the same rich, spicy vibes in a fraction of the time. We’re talking one pot, one shortcut, and one secret weapon: Secret Aardvark Smoky Chipotle-Hab Hot Sauce.

Make it with rotisserie chicken, canned hominy, and a handful of pantry staples, and you’ll be spooning up smoky-spicy goodness in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients

1 tablespoon neutral oil (olive, avocado, etc.)

1/2 yellow onion (diced)

2 cloves garlic (minced)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 teaspoon oregano

3–4 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie is perfect)

1 (25 oz) can white hominy, drained and rinsed

4 cups chicken broth (or veggie broth)

2–3 tablespoons Secret Aardvark Smoky Chipotle-Hab (or more, to taste)

Salt to taste

Juice of 1 lime

Traditional Pozole Toppings (load ‘em up!)

Thinly sliced radishes (a classic pozole topper)

Shredded cabbage or lettuce

Diced white onion

Lime wedges

Avocado slices

Cilantro

Crushed tostadas or tortilla chips

Extra Aardvark Smoky Chipotle-Hab Hot Sauce (obviously)

Instructions

Saute the base – Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic, cumin, and oregano, and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Build the broth – Add the chicken, hominy, and broth. Bring to a simmer, then stir in the Smoky Chipotle-Habanero Hot Sauce and salt to taste. Let it all hang out for 10-15 minutes so the flavors get cozy.

Brighten it up – Stir in the lime juice, taste, and adjust the heat level with more hot sauce if needed.

Top & serve – Ladle into bowls and pile on the toppings like the pozole pro you are.

Tips and Swaps

Vegetarian version: Skip the chicken, double the hominy, and use veggie broth. Still smoky, still satisfying.

Meal prep hero: Store in the fridge up to 4 days—it gets even better as it sits.

Thicker broth? Simmer uncovered for 10 more minutes or mash a little of the hominy for a heartier texture.

This smoky, easy pozole is everything you want on a chilly night (or a hungover Sunday): rich, warming, full of bold flavor, and customizable to your spice level.

Want more easy Mexican-style sides and recipes? Come this way!