Here it is. The one pronunciation to rule them all: poh-SOH-leh. Stress on the second syllable. Soft e. No “lay.” No “lee.” Just leh.
But if you say poh-SOH-lay, I won’t judge. The New York Times uses that version. So do many cookbooks. You’re in good company.
The real sin is not trying it. Go eat some. Order it with confidence. Even if you mess up, the server will smile. They know you’re curious. And that is the whole point.
So go ahead. Say it loud. Poh-SOH-leh! Poh-SOH-lay! Whatever! Just get that bowl in front of you. The pronunciation is just noise. The taste is the real magic.
