The time around the holidays can be exhausting, what with all the visitors and shopping and general merriment. So any meal that can be whipped up with minimal effort is a reason to cheer for the busy cook.
This tangy, tomatillo-forward pozole fits the bill, with an easy (mostly) stovetop preparation. Both filling and super-warming, it’s a verdant showcase not just for the tender, shredded chicken that gives the stew its heft but also for the hominy — dried corn that has been soaked in an alkaline solution to remove the hull and germ. The plump, slightly chewy kernels add a mild and earthy flavor that’s pretty irresistible, and it’s also a good and (unexpected) source of fiber.
Optional toppings include shredded cabbage, diced onion and thinly sliced radish for crunch and lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
I made the broth with more tomatillos and cilantro than the original recipe because, well, I love how both ingredients taste.