Pepian is one of the most popular and representative dishes of Guatemalan cuisine. It is ideal to surprise diners with this exclusive regional recipe.
It is a thick and flavorful stew made with a base of toasted and ground seeds, accompanied by meat or chicken and vegetables.
The traditional recipe for pepian may vary depending on the region, and even from family to family.
However, some ingredients are essential for its preparation: sesame seeds, annatto, tomato, onion, pimiento chili, guaque chili, and cilantro.
The preparation of this dish is labor-intensive, starting with toasting and grinding the seeds, then mixing them with the other ingredients and cooking them slowly over low heat.
The result is a comforting dish, full of flavor and aroma.
A bit of history
Its history dates back to the pre-Hispanic era, when the Mayans already prepared it with seeds and spices.
After the arrival of the Spaniards, the dish was enriched with new spices and became popular throughout the region.
Today, pepian is one of the most valued and appreciated dishes of Guatemalan gastronomy, both locally and internationally.
During the colonial period, the dish became a symbol of indigenous resistance against Spanish oppression.
According to legend, indigenous slaves from a hacienda in Guatemala were tired of the food served to them, so they secretly gathered to prepare a pepian with ingredients they found in the field.
The food was a huge success, and the slaves felt strengthened and united by the experience. Since then, it has become an emblematic dish of indigenous struggle and resistance in Guatemala.
Preparation tips
If you're considering making pepian, we recommend following the recipe with patience and attention, as the process of roasting and grinding the seeds can take some time.
It is also important not to overlook the quality of the ingredients, especially sesame seeds and annatto, which are the foundation of the dish and give it its flavor.
On the other hand, you can choose the type of meat you like most, whether chicken, beef, or pork, and serve this recipe with white rice and freshly made tortillas for a complete experience.
Pepian
Ingredients
1 Large chicken divided into individual pieces
1 pound of Pork backbone
4 Potatoes preserved in salted water
1 Large onion cut into wedges
1 Large guaque chili
1 Large pasilla chili
1 Bunch of cilantro
1 Medium carrot
2 cups of Bread crumbs
60 grams of Sesame seeds
60 grams of Pepitoria (ground toasted pumpkin seeds and spices)
3 Large, ripe tomatoes
4 Large peeled garlic cloves
10 Miltomates (small tomatoes)
Green beans
Preparation (simple version)
Preparation
Step 1 : Start by heating a skillet and toast, one by one, the sesame seeds, pepitoria, guaque chili, pasilla chili, onion wedges, and garlic cloves until they turn golden and their aroma intensifies.
Step 2 : Meanwhile, in a large pot, place water and add the chicken, pork backbone, tomatoes, and miltomates to cook.
Step 3 : When the tomatoes are tender, remove them from the water and carefully peel them, setting the meat aside.
Step 4 : Use the broth remaining in the pot to blend and obtain a sauce that captures the flavors of the cooked ingredients.
Step 5 : Then, in a larger pot, combine the meat, blended sauce, cut potatoes, and green beans.
Step 6 : Cook over low heat, allowing all ingredients to blend and soften, achieving the desired texture and flavor of the stew.
Step 7 : Finally, season with salt to taste and serve with rice, creating a comforting and flavorful dish.
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