Guatemalan Kak'ik with Achiote and Naranjilla

Name: Guatemalan Kak'ik with Achiote and Naranjilla
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Soup
Ingredients: 4 lbs turkey pieces; 2 tablespoons achiote paste; 3 cloves garlic; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 8 cups water; 2 medium tomatoes; 1 onion; 2 green bell peppers; 2 naranjillas; 2 teaspoons ground allspice; 2 bay leaves; 1 stick cinnamon; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 2 limes; 1/2 cup radishes

Traditional Mayan Turkey Soup

Kak'ik is a vibrant Guatemalan turkey soup, rich with spices and citrusy naranjilla, providing a comforting warmth with a touch of tanginess.

3 h
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Turkey Marinade

4 lbs turkey pieces

(preferably drumsticks and thighs)

2 tablespoons achiote paste

3 cloves garlic

minced

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon black pepper

For the Broth

8 cups water

2 medium tomatoes

chopped

1 onion

quartered

2 green bell peppers

chopped

2 naranjillas

peeled and quartered

2 teaspoons ground allspice

2 bay leaves

1 stick cinnamon

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

For the Aromatic Blend

1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

chopped

1/2 cup fresh cilantro

chopped

1 tablespoon dried oregano

For Serving

2 limes

cut into wedges

1/2 cup radishes

thinly sliced

Preparation

Marinating the Turkey

Combine ingredients

In a large bowl, combine turkey with achiote paste, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

Rub marinade

Rub the mixture evenly over the turkey pieces.

Marinate

Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.

Preparing the Broth

Sauté vegetables

In a large pot, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add chopped tomatoes, onion, and bell peppers; sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.

Add liquids and spices

Add water, naranjillas, allspice, bay leaves, and cinnamon; bring to a boil.

⚠ Important: Ensure the turkey pieces are fully submerged in the broth to infuse maximum flavor. 💡 Pro Tip: Use a fine sieve to strain the broth for a smoother texture before serving.

Cooking Process

Simmer the Turkey

Add the marinated turkey pieces to the broth and lower the heat to simmer gently.

Infuse Aromatics

Once the turkey is cooked, add the aromatic blend to the pot, stirring gently.

Adjust Seasoning

Taste the soup and adjust salt and pepper as needed before serving.

Plating & Serving