Vegetarian Red Pozole with Red Beans

Ingredients

• 2 ounces ancho chiles dried stemmed
• 8 servings pepper black freshly ground
• 30 ounce kidney beans rinsed drained canned
• 1 tablespoon cider vinegar 
• 10 ounce corn kernels fresh frozen
• 3 large garlic cloves chopped
• 0.1 teaspoon ground cloves 
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin 
• 29 ounce hominy white rinsed drained canned (also labeled pozole and mote blanco)
• 8 servings lettuce dried shredded julienned chopped for squeezing, each in separate small bowls (preferably Mexican)
• 0.3 cup olive oil 
• 2 cups onion chopped
• 1 teaspoon oregano dried
• 8 servings salt 
• 1 teaspoon sugar 
• 6 cups water divided
• 2 pounds zucchini cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Equipment

• bowl
• frying pan
• pot
• blender
• tongs

Directions

1. Slit chiles open and remove seeds and veins.
2. Heat a flat griddle or dry heavy skillet (not nonstick) over medium heat until hot, then toast the chiles, opened flat, 2 at a time, by pressing down and turning on either side with tongs, until fragrant and insides change color, about 1 minute.
3. Put chiles in a bowl with cold water to cover and let soak until soft, about 20 minutes.
4. While chiles are soaking, cook onion in oil in a 5- to 6-quart heavy pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until golden, 15 to 20 minutes.
5. Transfer chiles with tongs to a blender (discard soaking water) and add garlic, cider vinegar, cumin, oregano, 1/2 teaspoon salt, sugar, cloves, and 1 cup water. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.
6. Add chile purée to pot and cook, stirring, 5 minutes.
7. Add remaining 5 cups water, hominy, beans, zucchini, corn, and 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until zucchini is tender, about 20 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
8. To serve the stew, surround it with small bowls of the accompaniments and let the guests garnish their servings as they wish.
9. •Like all stews, the flavor of pozole improves as it stands. It will be even better when made up to 2 days ahead.