Pepián is a cornerstone of Guatemalan cuisine, celebrated for its rich flavors and deep cultural roots. This hearty stew is a harmonious blend of spices, vegetables, and meat, bringing together the culinary heritage of Guatemala. Pepián is more than just a meal; it’s a journey through the history and tradition of this vibrant Central American nation.
| Country | Guatemala |
| Degree of Difficulty | Hard |
| Type of Food | Main Course |
| Cooking Time | 2 hours |
| Preparation Time | 30 minutes |
| Serving Size | 4 servings |
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs (900g) of chicken, beef, or pork, cut into pieces
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 4 tomatoes, roasted and peeled
- 1/2 medium onion, roasted
- 6 cloves garlic
- 6 guaque chilies or dried hot peppers (substitute with other hot peppers if unavailable)
- 1/2 tsp achiote (annatto) paste
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cloves
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 6 cups chicken or beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup masa harina (corn flour) for thickening
Steps or Directions:
- Begin by toasting the sesame seeds and pumpkin seeds separately in a dry pan until they’re golden but not burnt. Set them aside.
- Roast the tomatoes, onion, garlic, and guaque chilies in the same pan until they’re slightly charred. These roasted ingredients will infuse the dish with a smoky flavor.
- In a blender, combine the toasted sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, roasted vegetables, achiote paste, and spices. Blend until you have a smooth paste.
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat pieces and brown them on all sides. Remove the meat and set it aside.
- Pour the seed and vegetable paste into the pot and cook it for about 10 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Return the meat to the pot and mix it with the paste.
- Add the broth and season with salt and pepper. Cover and let it simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours until the meat is tender.
- In a small bowl, mix the masa harina with some water to create a thickening agent. Stir it into the stew and cook for an additional 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Serve hot, and enjoy the rich flavors of Pepián!
Nutritional Information: (Per Serving)
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 30g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- You can use different meats, such as chicken, beef, or pork, depending on your preference.
- Adjust the level of hot peppers to control the spiciness.
- Serve with rice, tortillas, or bread.
Tips or Variations:
- Don’t rush the toasting process; it’s crucial to develop the rich flavors.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more or less masa harina.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- Pepián has variations in other Central American countries, including El Salvador and Honduras.
Allergen Checklist:
- Contains sesame and pumpkin seeds.
- You can make a vegetarian version of Pepián by substituting meat with vegetables or tofu and using vegetable broth.
