If you’re searching for hearty, comforting, and flavor-packed vegetarian dishes, look no further than hominy! This unique ingredient, made from dried corn kernels that have been treated with an alkali, is a staple in Latin American and Southern cuisine.
Hominy is chewy, slightly nutty, and perfect for soaking up bold flavors, making it ideal for vegetarian recipes that are both satisfying and nourishing.
Whether you’re craving a warming stew, a zesty salad, or a quick weeknight soup, vegetarian hominy recipes can transform your meal routine. In this post, I’m sharing three of my favorite vegetarian hominy recipes: Vegetarian Pozole Rojo, Southwest Hominy Skillet, and Hominy and Black Bean Salad.
Each is delicious in its own way, and all are easy enough for busy cooks. Let’s dive into the world of hominy and discover how it can elevate your plant-based table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: Hominy adds a satisfying chew and depth, making vegetarian meals more substantial.
- Versatile: These recipes can be served for lunch, dinner, or even as a party dish.
- Easy to Prepare: Using canned hominy saves time without sacrificing flavor or nutrition.
- Bold Flavors: Each dish is packed with spices, fresh vegetables, and vibrant toppings.
- Customizable: Easily adapt these recipes to what you have on hand or to fit your dietary needs.
Ingredients
Vegetarian Pozole Rojo
2 tbsp olive oil |
1 large yellow onion, diced |
3 cloves garlic, minced |
1 large carrot, peeled and sliced |
1 green bell pepper, chopped |
1 zucchini, chopped |
2 tsp ground cumin |
2 tsp dried oregano |
2 cups vegetable broth |
1 (25 oz) can hominy, drained and rinsed |
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes |
2 dried guajillo or ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded |
Salt & pepper, to taste |
Optional toppings: sliced radishes, shredded cabbage, chopped cilantro, lime wedges, avocado |
Southwest Hominy Skillet
1 tbsp olive oil |
1 small red onion, chopped |
1 red bell pepper, diced |
1 jalapeño, minced |
1 (15 oz) can hominy, drained and rinsed |
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed |
1 tsp smoked paprika |
1/2 tsp chili powder |
1/2 tsp salt |
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro |
Juice of 1 lime |
Optional toppings: avocado, hot sauce, crumbled queso fresco (omit for vegan) |
Hominy and Black Bean Salad
1 (15 oz) can hominy, drained and rinsed |
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed |
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved |
1/2 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned) |
1/2 small red onion, finely diced |
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro |
2 tbsp olive oil |
Juice of 2 limes |
1/2 tsp cumin |
Salt & pepper, to taste |
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or soup pot
- Large skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Cutting board and chef’s knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander (for rinsing hominy and beans)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Blender (for the pozole chile sauce)
Instructions
Vegetarian Pozole Rojo
- Prepare the chiles: Place dried guajillo or ancho chiles in a small pot of simmering water for 10 minutes to soften. Drain and transfer to a blender with the canned diced tomatoes. Puree until smooth and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the onion and carrot and cook for 3-4 minutes. Stir in garlic, bell pepper, and zucchini; cook another 3 minutes.
- Season: Add cumin and oregano, stirring until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add base ingredients: Stir in the pureed chile-tomato mixture, vegetable broth, and hominy. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve: Ladle into bowls and garnish with shredded cabbage, radishes, cilantro, lime wedges, and avocado.
Southwest Hominy Skillet
- Sauté veggies: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add main ingredients: Stir in hominy and black beans. Add smoked paprika, chili powder, and salt. Sauté for another 5-7 minutes, until everything is heated through and slightly crispy on the edges.
- Finish and serve: Remove from heat. Stir in cilantro and lime juice. Serve hot, topped with avocado, hot sauce, and queso fresco if desired.
Hominy and Black Bean Salad
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add hominy, black beans, cherry tomatoes, corn, red onion, and cilantro.
- Make dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lime juice, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Toss and serve: Pour dressing over the salad, toss gently, and serve immediately or chill for 1 hour to let flavors meld.
Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add extra jalapeño or use chipotle in adobo for smoky heat.
- Boost protein: Mix in cooked quinoa, tempeh, or tofu for added plant-based protein.
- Switch up veggies: Try sweet potatoes, mushrooms, or kale for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Homemade hominy: If you can’t find canned, soak and cook dried hominy according to package instructions for the best texture.
- Meal prep: These dishes store well in the fridge for up to 4 days, making them great for leftovers and lunches.
- Pair with: For a larger meal, serve alongside Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves or a light Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.
“Hominy is a naturally gluten-free, whole-grain ingredient that’s packed with fiber and minerals. It’s an easy, affordable way to make vegetarian dishes more satisfying.”
Nutrition Facts
Recipe | Calories (per serving) | Protein | Fiber | Sodium |
---|---|---|---|---|
Vegetarian Pozole Rojo | 240 | 6g | 7g | 680mg |
Southwest Hominy Skillet | 220 | 8g | 8g | 540mg |
Hominy and Black Bean Salad | 210 | 7g | 6g | 470mg |
Nutrition facts are estimates and can vary based on brands and substitutions.
Serving Suggestions
- Vegetarian Pozole Rojo: Serve with warm corn tortillas or tortilla chips. Top with creamy avocado, fresh lime, and a sprinkle of shredded cabbage for crunch.
- Southwest Hominy Skillet: Enjoy as a main dish with a side of Vegetable Crackers Recipe for Healthy Homemade Snacking, or use as a filling for tacos and burritos.
- Hominy and Black Bean Salad: Perfect as a light lunch, picnic dish, or side salad for grilled veggies or sandwiches. Try with Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet finish.
- Party Platter: Serve all three recipes together buffet-style for a fun and colorful vegetarian feast.
Conclusion
Hominy is a true unsung hero in vegetarian cooking, bringing both heartiness and a unique texture to your table. From the rich, chili-laden pozole to quick skillet dinners and refreshing salads, these vegetarian hominy recipes prove you don’t need meat for a deeply satisfying meal.
Plus, hominy’s adaptability means there’s always room for creativity—swap in your favorite veggies, play with spices, and make each recipe your own.
If you enjoyed these recipes, don’t forget to explore more plant-based meal ideas on our blog! Try our Vegetarian Swiss Chard Recipes for Healthy Meals or discover global flavors with Vegetarian Middle Eastern Recipes for Easy, Flavorful Meals.
With hominy in your pantry, you’ll never run out of vegetarian inspiration. Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Vegetarian Hominy Stew
Description: A hearty, flavorful stew featuring hominy, vegetables, and warming spices. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT35M
Total Time: PT50M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can hominy, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until translucent, about 4 minutes.
- Stir in garlic and bell pepper, cook for 2 minutes.
- Add zucchini and cook for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in hominy, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired.
Nutrition: Calories: 220 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 7 g | Carbs: 36 g
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