Recipe Creation: Christmas Pozole

I love this soup for so many reasons.  It is adapted from this recipe that I came across a few weeks ago, and I can't tell you how happy I am that I did.   It is a bit of a labor of love, but it is one of the most comforting, satisfying, and nutrient rich dishes I can imagine.  I made it a few nights ago for my dad who had the flu and he called it the 'penicillin' of soups.  I think one of the best parts about this dish is the garnishes.  You can play around with any toppings that appeal to you.  I highly recommend avocados, sliced radishes, jalapeño, cilantro, oregano, and lime juice.  Plus, it just so happens to be green and red, so it's the perfect Christmas soup.  This one is guaranteed to keep the relatives happy : )

Serves 4-6

Ingredients:

• 1 29 oz can of cooked hominy
• 1 large white onion, sliced thinly
• 6 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
• salt
• 2 large chicken breasts, bone-in & skin-on
• 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1 lb tomatillos, husks removed and rinsed
• 1 bunch cilantro
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 tbsp canola oil
• Optional toppings:
• sliced radishes
• chopped avocado
• sliced limes
• diced jalapeño
• more cilantro & oregano

Directions:

-Bring 8 cups of water to boil in a large stockpot. 
-Add 3 of the chopped garlic cloves, 1/2 of the sliced onion & 1 tsp salt.
-Simmer with the top on the pot for about 10 minutes. 
-Next, add the chicken breasts to the pot and cook uncovered for 20 minutes.
-Remove the chicken with tongs and place on a plate to cool.
-Meanwhile, strain the broth and set aside for later.
-When the chicken is cool, shred it and set aside.
-Next, grind the pumpkin seeds in a blender and place in a small bowl.
-In a large saucepan, heat 3 cups water & add the whole tomatillos and the remaining onion.
-Bring to a boil and simmer, covered, for 10 minutes.
-Once the veggies are cooked through, transfer them (discarding the liquid) into the blender.
-Add the oregano, the remaining garlic, 1/4 cup cilantro, and 1 1/2 tsp salt & blend thoroughly.
-Meanwhile, heat the canola oil in a large stock pot and add the green sauce from the blender.
-Cook the sauce, uncovered, for about 8 minutes or until it thickens slightly.
-Next, add the ground pumpkin seeds and 1 cup of the reserved chicken broth.
-Cook for another 5 minutes, then add the chicken, hominy, and 3 more cups of broth.
-Simmer, partially covered, for about 15 minutes. 
-Stir in another 1/4 cup cilantro and season with salt to taste.
-Ladle the soup into big bowls, garnish to your liking, and promptly devour.