Canned Hominy Recipe Ideas for Easy and Delicious Meals

Updated On: October 13, 2025

If you’ve ever wandered into the world of traditional Mexican or Southern cuisine, you’ve likely encountered hominy—a delightful, hearty ingredient that adds texture and flavor to many dishes. Canned hominy is a convenient pantry staple that brings the essence of hominy to your kitchen without the lengthy soaking and cooking process needed for dried corn kernels.

Whether you’re making a classic pozole, a comforting stew, or a simple side dish, canned hominy is a versatile ingredient that can elevate your meal with minimal effort.

This recipe will guide you through a simple and delicious way to prepare canned hominy that highlights its natural flavors while complementing it with fresh ingredients and spices. Perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike, this canned hominy recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire, offering both nutritional benefits and a unique taste experience.

Ready to explore this delightful dish? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This canned hominy recipe is perfect for those who want to enjoy the rich, slightly nutty flavor of hominy with ease and speed. Using canned hominy means no pre-soaking or long cooking times, making it an ideal choice for quick weeknight dinners or last-minute meal prep.

Not only is it simple to make, but this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can serve it as a side or incorporate it into soups, stews, casseroles, or even salads.

It’s naturally gluten-free and packed with fiber and essential nutrients, making it a healthy addition to your diet.

Plus, the hearty texture and mild taste of hominy make it a fantastic base for bold seasonings and fresh herbs. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between simplicity and flavor, ensuring a satisfying meal that’s both comforting and nutritious.

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) of hominy, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional for heat)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of half a lime
  • 1 cup vegetable broth or water

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring spoons
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Can opener
  • Strainer or colander

Instructions

  1. Prepare the hominy: Open the cans of hominy and pour the contents into a strainer. Rinse thoroughly under cold running water to remove excess sodium and any canning liquid. Set aside to drain.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent and fragrant. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Add tomatoes and spices: Stir in the diced tomato, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder (if using). Cook for 2-3 minutes until the tomatoes soften and the spices become aromatic.
  4. Cook the hominy: Add the drained hominy to the skillet and stir well to combine with the tomato and spice mixture. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the hominy to absorb the flavors and the liquid to reduce slightly.
  5. Season to taste: Season the hominy with salt and black pepper according to your preference. Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the fresh chopped cilantro and lime juice for a bright, fresh finish.
  6. Serve warm: Transfer the hominy to a serving dish. Enjoy it as a side dish or incorporate it into your favorite recipes like soups or salads.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier texture, stir in a splash of coconut milk or vegan sour cream just before serving.

To add protein, toss in cooked black beans or sautéed tofu cubes during the last few minutes of cooking.

Try adding diced bell peppers or corn kernels for extra sweetness and crunch.

If you prefer a smoky flavor, consider adding a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or smoked salt.

For a traditional twist, you can use this canned hominy recipe as a base for a vegan pozole by adding vegetable broth, hominy, and a medley of vegetables and spices. It’s a crowd-pleaser and a comforting meal on chilly days.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Calories 150
Carbohydrates 30g
Protein 4g
Fat 3g
Fiber 5g
Sodium 250mg (can be reduced by rinsing)
Vitamin C 10% DV

Serving Suggestions

This canned hominy recipe pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it alongside veg grilled sandwiches for a hearty lunch or as a side to your favorite rice and beans combo.

For a complete meal, you can top the hominy with avocado slices, fresh salsa, and a squeeze of lime. It also works great tossed into salads or bowls, especially with roasted vegetables and greens.

Looking for more hearty vegan meal ideas? Try our Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping or the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious.

Conclusion

Canned hominy is a fantastic ingredient to keep on hand for quick, nutritious meals that don’t sacrifice flavor. This recipe shows just how easy it is to transform canned hominy into a flavorful dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as part of a larger meal.

Whether you’re new to cooking with hominy or a seasoned foodie looking for fresh ideas, this recipe delivers simplicity, versatility, and taste. The combination of spices, fresh herbs, and a hint of lime juice brightens the hominy’s natural flavor, making it a delightful addition to your culinary repertoire.

Give this recipe a try and explore the many ways canned hominy can enhance your meals!

📖 Recipe Card: Canned Hominy Recipe

Description: A simple and hearty dish using canned hominy, perfect as a side or base for stews. Ready in under an hour with minimal prep.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT30M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 2 cans (15 oz each) hominy, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • Juice of 1 lime

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onion and bell pepper; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
  3. Stir in garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder; cook for 1 minute.
  4. Add hominy and vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
  5. Cook uncovered for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Season with salt, pepper, and lime juice.
  7. Remove from heat and stir in fresh cilantro.
  8. Serve warm as a side or base for your favorite stew.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 5g | Carbs: 28g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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