Pepián (Guatemalan Stew)

  • Total time - 1 hour 15 minutes
  • Preparation - 25 minutes
  • Cooking time - 50 minutes
  • Servings: 6
  • Country: Guatemala
A rich, dark bowl of Pepián with chunks of chicken, boiled potatoes, and a side of rice.

For the authentic flavor of Pepián, the proper toasting of the ingredients is key. Remember to toast them on a dry skillet or griddle until their aroma develops, but not until they burn. This recipe is flexible; you can use chicken, beef, pork, or a combination of meats. It is served with rice and potatoes or with tortillas for dipping.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Pepián

  • 1 kg chicken thighs or breasts
  • 2 pieces green chilies (e.g., poblano or other mild chilies)
  • 3 pieces tomatoes
  • 1 piece onion, quartered
  • 3 cloves garlic
  • 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 0.5 cups coriander or fresh parsley
  • 1 slice bread or tortilla
  • vegetable oil
  • salt and black pepper
  • rice and boiled potatoes, for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Toasting the Spices and Vegetables

In a dry skillet, toast the pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds until they start to pop and turn golden. Set aside. In the same skillet, toast the chilies, tomatoes, onion, and garlic until they are charred in some spots and aromatic. Let them cool.

Step 2: Cooking the Meat

In a pot, place the chicken, season with salt and pepper, and cook it in water until tender (approximately 30 minutes). Remove the chicken and set it aside, reserving about 3 cups of the broth.

Step 3: Preparing the Sauce

Place the toasted vegetables, spices, coriander, and a piece of bread (or tortilla) into a blender and blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add a little of the chicken broth. Pour the mixture through a fine sieve into another pot to get a very smooth sauce.

Krok 4: Finishing the Dish

Bring the sauce to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer until it thickens. Add the chicken (and optionally, boiled potatoes or other root vegetables). Simmer together for another 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Salt to taste.

Step 5: Serving

Serve the Pepián hot, along with rice and boiled potatoes, topped with the delicious sauce.