Prepare the onion, peel the garlic, chop the onion, peel and chop the 2 garlic cloves, chop the green chilies and jalapenos if you are using them and get the hominy drained and rinsed.
Boil ancho chilies in a separate small pot for the garnish
Place the meat in a large saucepan and just cover with lightly salted water.
Add 1/2 chopped onion, the 2 cloves peeled garlic, pepper, cumin, and oregano.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, skim off any foam that rises, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 45 minutes.
Remove meat and broth, reserving both.
Sauté the remaining chopped onion and garlic in oil until translucent.
Add the remaining spices, stir for a minute.
Cut the reserved pork into 1 inch cubes and add to the pan.
Stir in the canned hominy, pork broth (if there is not enough pork broth, add chicken stock, about 2-4 cups), green chilies and jalapenos (optional).
Cook at a simmer, covered, for 45 to 60 minutes until the meat and hominy are tender.
If necessary, cook for up to an additional 60 minutes until the chilies and onions are well blended into the broth.
Degrease the stew, taste for salt, and serve in soup bowls.
