Cheater's Chicken "Pozole" Soup

This Mexican inspired "Pozole" soup is absolutely heartwarming. I call it a "cheater's" version as the original recipe is made with pork shoulder which imparts a very special flavour. This is a quickie

version to prepare while maintaining the layering of flavours which is so key to this fantastic dish.

In a large soup pot, prepare the broth in which you will boil 5-6 bone-in chicken thighs. I use both chicken stock and water to fill about half the pot. I usually squirt in a bit of chicken Bovril too, always adds great depth of flavour. While you wait for the liquid to come to a boil, add:

1 tbsp. oregano

1 tbsp. cumin

2 tsp. paprika

1 tbsp. chili powder

1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (don't omit the smallest pinch, defines taste)

1 onion, cut in half

2 whole cloves of garlic

2 bay leaves

1 whole jalapeno pepper (adds flavour but not really any heat, you can use half)

Salt to taste

Drop the chicken into the boiling broth and lower the heat for a nice rolling simmer to cook the chicken, for about 60 min or so. Then remove the jalapeno pepper, and the cooked chicken pieces into a bowl to cool a bit. You will de-bone and skin, shred by hand and placed back into the soup.

Time for the Hominy corn, the Star ingredient. These are the large, puffy white kernels of corn. I love the Goya Hominy, easily found among the Mexican food items in the grocery store. Add the full  can of corn, drained and rinsed to the pot and let simmer.

Add some large diced pepper, we love cubanelle and poblano peppers. Either or both are perfect. Let the soup simmer until the peppers are tender. These add a unique flavour to the broth.

To finish this soup, add a small can of Mexican ground tomatillo sauce. This gives the soup the extra kick it needs to round off the broth.

Now it is ready to serve!

Garnish the soup bowl with all or a combo of the following: sliced radishes, avocado, a dollop of Greek yogourt or sour cream, crushed up tortilla chips, fresh cilantro and parsley, finely shredded cabbage or lettuce, red onion etc. Add a squirt of lime...heavenly!!!!!!!!!!!