Pepián is one of the most popular and representative dishes of Guatemalan cuisine. It is ideal for surprising diners with this exclusive regional recipe.
It is a thick and tasty stew made with a base of toasted and ground seeds, accompanied by meat or chicken and vegetables.
The traditional recipe for pepián can vary depending on the region, and even from one family to another.
However, some ingredients are fundamental for its preparation: sesame seeds, achiote, tomato, onion, bell pepper, chile guaque, and cilantro.
The preparation of this dish is a laborious process, starting with toasting and grinding the seeds, then mixing them with the other ingredients and cooking them over low heat.
The result is a comforting dish, full of flavor and aroma.
Some history
Its history dates back to pre-Hispanic times, when the Mayans already made it with seeds and spices.
After the arrival of the Spaniards, the dish was enriched with new spices and popularized throughout the region.
Nowadays, pepián is one of the most valued and appreciated dishes in Guatemalan gastronomy, both locally and internationally.
During the colonial period, the dish became a symbol of indigenous resistance to Spanish oppression.
According to legend, the indigenous slaves on a plantation in Guatemala were tired of the food they were given, so they secretly gathered to prepare a pepián with ingredients they found in the field.
The meal was a 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 are thinking of preparing pepián, we recommend following the recipe with patience and attention, as the process of toasting and grinding the seeds can take time.
It is also important not to neglect the quality of the ingredients, especially the sesame seeds and achiote, which are the basis of the dish and give it its flavor.
On the other hand, you can choose the meat you like best, whether chicken, beef, or pork, and accompany this recipe with white rice and freshly made tortillas for a complete experience.
Pepián
Ingredients
1 Large chicken cut into individual pieces
1 pound of Pork spine
4 Potatoes preserved in water with salt
1 Large onion cut into wedges
1 Large chile guaque
1 Large dried chile
1 Bunch of cilantro
1 Medium carrot
2 cups of Bread crumbs
60 grams of Sesame seeds
60 grams of Pepitoria seeds
3 Large ripe tomatoes
4 Large peeled garlic cloves
10 Miltomates
Green beans
Preparation
Step 1 : In a hot pan, the following ingredients should be browned one by one: sesame seeds, pepitoria seeds, chile guaque, dried chile, onion wedges, and garlic.
Step 2 : Then, in a pot with the two liters of water, place the chicken, pork, tomatoes, and miltomates to cook.
Step 3 : Once the tomatoes are cooked, remove them from the water and peel them, reserving the flesh separately and using the broth to blend the rest of the ingredients.
Step 4 : In a larger pot, add the meat, blended sauce, potatoes, and green beans, cooking them over low heat until everything is well cooked.
Step 5 : Finally, season with salt to taste and serve with rice.
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