History of the pozole and the Aztec soup (2024)

History of the pozole and the Aztec soup (1)

Food & Drink

Formerly, this dish was part of rituals as offerings to the gods

Eating pozole is quite a tradition during the Mexican independence festivities, it is almost certain that you will find it in any restaurant you go to during the national holidays. So here we share a bit of its history:

Pozole
Is a style of soup that is made from corn and meat
(traditionally pork head) accompanied by lettuce, radish, onion, chili and oregano or other variations depending on the region; however, in pre-Hispanic Mexico it was cooked in a somewhat different way. since the meat they used was from human beings. Back then, preparing this dish was part of rituals that were made in ceremonies as offerings to the gods. But don't be scared, that was yesterday!

Tortilla soup or Aztec soup
There are Mexican dishes that fascinate all kinds of palates. Such is the case of the Aztec soup, a delicacy of pre-Hispanic origin also known as tortilla soup. Its appearance dates back to antiquity, it has its origin in pre-Hispanic times, in the state of Tlaxcala, Mexico.

Tlaxcala means "Place where tortillas abound" or "Land of corn." With the abundance of corn in the region, the Mesoamerican people managed to adapt it, it was little by little that they included the "tortilla" as the main ingredient in most of their dishes. When the Spanish arrived in Mexico in the 16th century, they introduced chicken meat and soups.

In Tlaxcala, the Aztec soup was born as a hybrid that combines the Mexican tortilla with the Spanish tradition of preparing soups. Tortilla soup, also known as Aztec soup in some regions, is made from strips of fried corn tortillas that are submerged in a broth of ground tomatoes with garlic and onion, seasoned with parsley and ground chiles de árbol. Serve with chile pasilla chunks, pork rinds, avocado, cheese, and cream.

Written by: Mariana Carvajal

PUBLISHED: Dec 28th 2022

History of the pozole and the Aztec soup (2)

History of the pozole and the Aztec soup (3)

History of the pozole and the Aztec soup (4)

History of the pozole and the Aztec soup (5)

History of the pozole and the Aztec soup (2024)

FAQs

History of the pozole and the Aztec soup? ›

The indigenous ancestors used human flesh in the stew. Aztec priests would make human sacrifices to their gods, offering up the heart and using the rest of the flesh for a ceremonial pozole. After the Spanish conquest, Spanish rulers outlawed cannibalism, and so pork was used in replacement of human flesh in pozole.

What is the history of Sopa Azteca? ›

The soup's origin is a bit of a mystery. Generally, it's believed to have originated in central Mexico. The long skinny chile pasilla (also called chile negro) is the favored chile to flavor the soup (it's the dried version of a very ripe chilaca pepper).

What soup did the Aztecs make? ›

Pozole is the sacrifical Mexican soup that was (originally) made from human flesh. Chef Claudette Zepeda teaches us the history of the dish, it's ancient Aztec roots and how it was made from the hearts of their prisoners.

Did Mayans make pozole? ›

The roots of pozole pre-date Spanish colonization, and the dish is said to have had ritual significance for the indigenous people of Mexico. Its principal ingredient, corn, was a sacred crop to the Aztecs and Mayans. On weekends, Rinconsito stays busy long into the afternoon.

Why is pozole important to Mexican culture? ›

The History of Pozole

This traditional Mexican dish holds a significant place in the country's culinary history and continues to be cherished by people around the world today. Pozole has deep roots in Aztec culture, where it was considered a sacred food reserved for special occasions and religious ceremonies.

What is Aztec soup made of? ›

Usually served as an appetizer, this tortilla soup was consistently made with the same main ingredients — crispy corn tortilla strips, a piping-hot garlicky tomato-chile caldo (broth), fresh avocado, and a combination of sour cream, fresh cilantro, lime wedges and/or fried chile strips sprinkled on top.

What is the history of Mexican fideo? ›

The history of fideo seco in Mexico dates back to the dawn of the conquest and the fusion of indigenous cultures with the culinary traditions brought by European colonizers. It is believed that its introduction is linked to the Spanish fideuá, which landed in Mexico through colonial influence.

Did Aztecs eat pozole? ›

Pozole was mentioned in the 16th century Florentine Codex by Bernardino de Sahagún. Since maize was a sacred plant for the Aztecs and other inhabitants of Mesoamerica, pozole was made to be consumed on special occasions.

What is the history of pozole? ›

The history of pozole

Having had its origin in pre-Hispanic México, pozole is recognized as one of Mexico's most traditional foods, and as such it has become an ever present dish in parties and fetive events in Mexican culture. In the Nahuatl dialect, wich had its origin in Mexico, "pozolli" translates to foam.

What are 3 foods the Aztecs ate? ›

While the Aztecs ruled, they farmed large areas of land. Staples of their diet were maize, beans and squash. To these, they added chilies and tomatoes. They also harvested Acocils, an abundant crayfish-like creature found in Lake Texcoco, as well as Spirulina algae which they made into cakes.

What is a fun fact about pozole? ›

Similar to many Mexican dishes, the name Pozole originates from Nahuatl and has a significant history. The main ingredient in Pozole is Hominy, which is made from corn. Due to the belief that humans were made by the corn gods, in Mexican Aztec history corn was considered a sacred plant.

What's the difference between pozole and posole? ›

There's really no big difference between pozole and posole, except a letter. In Mexico, where the brothy, chile-spiked soup originated, it's often spelled with a "z"; near the border and beyond, it's often spelled with an "s." It just depends where you are, and who taught you to cook it.

Why is pozole only on weekends? ›

Menudo and Pozole are traditional dishes that are important in Mexican culture. It's time-consuming to make, so restaurants will usually only serve it on the weekends and households will only make it for special occasions or during Christmas time. Most importantly, it is said to cure any hangover.

How to explain pozole to a white person? ›

Pozole is a brothy, hearty Mexican soup made with hominy and meat, such as beef or pork, or seafood or vegetables.

Why is pozole eaten at Christmas? ›

Through Spanish colonial influence, posole then became popularly associated with pork as its protein of choice. Today, posole is enjoyed with pork or chicken on dinner tables of Mexican families in México and in the states the night before Christmas. "Pozole feels like home.

Is pozole junk food? ›

Pozole is a balanced and nutrient-rich soup that provides all three macronutrients — carbs, protein, and fats. A 1-cup (238-grams) serving of pozole with pork meat and chicken stock provides ( 2 ): Calories: 214. Carbs: 12 grams.

Who invented sopa de fideo? ›

History: Sopa de fideo originated in Spain; however, after conquering Mexico the Natives put an authentic twist to the broth. Making it what we now have come to know as sopa de fideo. The name is exactly what it is, sopa means soup and fideo means noodle.

What is the history of Sopa de Lima? ›

The lime soup as it is known was first created in 1946 by the master called Katún (means "warrior" in the Mayan language). Today it is considered one of the most representative soups of Yucatan. Since at least the 1950s, Mexico has been the world's largest producer and exporter of limes.

Where did sopa de Pata originate? ›

El Salvador, Ecuador

What is the history of chicken tortilla soup? ›

Although the exact origin of tortilla soup is unknown, it is known that it comes from the Mexico City area in Mexico. Traditional tortilla soup is made with chicken broth combined with roasted tomatoes, onion, garlic, chiles and tortillas, cut into strips and fried.

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