Perfect Pairings: 8 Delicious Side Dishes for Posole

Posole, also known as pozole, is a traditional Mexican soup containing the main ingredient of hominy.

Posole has many variations, but it always contains hominy.

The best version of this dish features slow-cooking the pork in an adobo sauce that consists of ground chilies, herbs, and vinegar; other regions feature broth-based soups with chicken instead of pork.

The hominy is simmered in the broth until it becomes tender and creates a distinctive corn flavor.

It’s ideal on a cold winter evening, and it’s often enjoyed during the holidays.

Posole soup can be served as an appetizer or main dish and is often garnished with shredded cabbage, sliced radishes, chopped cilantro, and wedges of lime.

In this article, we will share eight of the best side dishes that pair nicely with this traditional Mexican soup.

Why Consider Serving Side Dishes for Posole?

Posole has a unique flavor, and many people are unsure of how best to complement it.

The key is not to choose a side dish that overpowers or competes with the flavors in Posole but rather complements them.

This means you might want to avoid dishes with too much spice or too distinct of a flavor.

In addition to staying away from dishes with too much flavor, you will also want to avoid dishes that are too similar.

While a dish of rice and beans may be the perfect complement to Posole’s unique flavors, it might not be so great if you don’t serve it with enough variety.

For this reason, we recommend at least one creamy side dish and one crunchy side dish.

Regarding what kind of foods you can use as your creamier side dish, some good options would be macaroni and cheese.

A creamy soup such as chicken noodle soup could also work well, or even mashed potatoes or lasagna.

For a crunchier side dish, a fresh fruit salad could go very well if kept simple.

Other options might be cornbread or fresh vegetables such as crudite.

So before choosing what you are serving with your Posole, make sure to consider the following things:

• What would compliment the flavors in Posole?
• Is it something that will compete with or overpower the flavors in Posole?
• Is it too similar to what is already being served?
• How many dishes should be chosen, and is there enough variety among them?

Remember to try out different side dishes until you find one that works well with your tastes.

What to Serve with Posole? 8 BEST Side Dishes

Here are eight great side dishes that will complement the flavors in Posole:

1 – Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is a classic pasta dish that often goes very well with Posole.

While there are many different macaroni and cheese recipes, you can’t go wrong if it contains some creamy ingredients such as cream of mushroom soup.

In addition to being creamy, this dish is also nice and crunchy because the cheesy top layer turns brown when cooked in the oven.

This gives each bite a slightly crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the softness of the noodles underneath.

If desired, you could add a few slices of bread crumbs on top before cooking or sprinkle with some Parmesan cheese after serving.

2 – Shrimp Salad with Pasta Shells

One great way to serve your Posole is with a shrimp salad.

Shrimp are an excellent source of protein and have a deliciously sweet flavor that goes well with Posole’s spicy flavors.

You can mix them without too much effort or complexity for optimal results.

Another great thing about this dish is the contrast between the crunchiness of the vegetables on top and the soft pasta underneath.

The spices in the shrimp salad will complement those found in Posole while also giving you all new flavor combinations to enjoy.

You can also choose your favorite vegetables to top off the dish, giving it a nice variety of textures.

3 – Tortilla Chips

Although the most common side dish is rice, you can also try serving your Posole with tortilla chips.

These are an easy way to add some crunch to your meal and go well with the spicy flavors in Posole.

When it comes to choosing which tortilla chips are best, look for something simple but high quality.

While many brands of all shapes, sizes, and flavors, avoid anything too sweet or artificially flavored.

And when it comes to ingredients, look for something that contains only a few ingredients, all of which you recognize – especially if this will be served at a family gathering.

You can also choose whether you would like to serve them heaped on top of the bowl so everyone can grab some or in a small bowl on the side where your guests can take what they want.

4 – Steamed Vegetables

If you’re looking for a healthier option, try steaming some vegetables and serving them alongside your Posole.

You can use any vegetable you like, but the best options are those that go well with spices such as carrots, green beans, or broccoli.

As an alternative, try serving them chilled on the side.

This will set up a nice contrast between warm and cold, giving each bite a unique flavor experience.

Regardless of which method you choose, these healthy veggies are sure to make your meal feel even more fulfilling while still being delightfully crunchy and delicious.

5 – Garlic Bread

If you’re looking for something simple, one easy option is to serve your Posole with garlic bread.

It’s an easy way to add some richness and flavor while also complementing the dish.

Plus, it will provide a nice base for piling more of your favorite toppings on top.

To get the most out of this side dish, go for something with a few ingredients but is still healthy.

Look for whole wheat flour or olive oil instead of potato flakes or hydrogenated oils, which are cheaper but lack nutrition.

Then be sure to top off your meal with some freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top – if desired.

6 – Cornbread

Another great side dish option is cornbread.

This perfectly complements the spicy flavors of Posole while also being delightfully sweet and moist.

If desired, add a dollop of butter on top before serving so your cornbread will have a unique flavor that mingles with the other ingredients in your dish.

Cornbread is typically made with whole wheat flour, but you can substitute this for something else if you’re looking for a healthier alternative.

Some good alternatives are spelt flour or rice flour, which taste great when combined with other healthy ingredients such as honey or olive oil.

In addition to providing another source of nutrition to your meal, these spices will create new flavor combinations that reward every bite.

7 – Tostadas

Tostadas are a great way to add some crunch and flavor to your meal.

Top off a crispy tortilla chip with Posole, black beans, salsa verde, cheese, and sour cream for a completely amazing dish.

For a more filling meal, be sure to pile it on as high as you can.

In addition to being delicious, this makes the perfect easy lunch because you can throw all of these ingredients into one container and grab them as needed throughout the week.

No need for hot plates or microwaves – eat when you’re ready.

8 – Guacamole

For something more on the creamy side, try serving your Posole with guacamole.

This is traditionally served with tacos, but it also adds a delicious flavor to any dish.

No matter how you choose to serve it, guests will enjoy the amazing flavors that this pairing brings to the table.

If desired, add cheese on top of the guacamole, so every bite has a unique taste and texture.

Guacamole is typically made with avocados, cilantro, garlic, onion, and jalapeno.

While these are the basic ingredients, you can also include other healthy options like tomatoes, habanero peppers, or lime juice.

Then be sure to top off your meal with some freshly sliced lemons – if desired.

Conclusion

Posole is a delicious and healthy Mexican dish that is well worth trying.

In addition to being full of life, it also has a rich, spicy flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.

No matter what you choose to serve alongside it, all the options in this list are sure to make your meal feel even more fulfilling while still being delightfully crunchy and delicious.

If you want to make your meal feel more like a unique flavor experience, be sure to try one of these great side dish options.

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