Guatemalan Pepian with Grilled Pork and Tomatillo Sauce

Name: Guatemalan Pepian with Grilled Pork and Tomatillo Sauce
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1½ lbs tomatillos, husked and rinsed; 2 large onions, quartered; 4 cloves garlic, peeled; 3 dried pasilla chilies, seeded; 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds; 1/2 tsp cinnamon; 1/4 tsp cloves; 1 tsp cumin seeds; 1 tsp coriander seeds; 1/2 tsp allspice berries; 1 small cinnamon stick; 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro; 1 lime, cut into wedges

A Hearty Guatemalan Stew Infused with Rich Spices

Pepian, a traditional Guatemalan dish, combines grilled pork with a deeply flavored tomatillo sauce, creating a savory and spicy stew perfect for any occasion.

3 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Grilled Pork

2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch cubes

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Tomatillo Sauce

1½ lbs tomatillos, husked and rinsed

2 large onions, quartered

4 cloves garlic, peeled

3 dried pasilla chilies, seeded

1/2 cup pumpkin seeds

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/4 tsp cloves

For the Spice Mix

1 tsp cumin seeds

1 tsp coriander seeds

1/2 tsp allspice berries

1 small cinnamon stick

For the Garnish

1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

1 lime, cut into wedges

Preparation

Marinating the Pork

Season the Pork

Rub pork cubes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.

Refrigerate Pork

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for best flavor.

Rest the Pork

Remove from fridge 30 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature.

Preparing the Tomatillo Sauce

Roast Vegetables

Roast tomatillos, onions, and garlic on a baking sheet at 400°F until soft and slightly charred, about 25 minutes.

Toast Chilies

Toast dried chilies in a dry skillet until aromatic.

Ensure chilies are deseeded to control heat levels.

Blend Sauce

Blend roasted vegetables, chilies, and spices until smooth.

Add more toasting time for spices for enhanced aroma and flavor.

Cooking Process

Grill the Pork

Grill the marinated pork over medium-high heat until cooked, about 20 minutes.

Simmer the Sauce

Transfer blended sauce to a pot, add grilled pork, and simmer for 1 hour over low heat.

Final Adjustments

Stir occasionally, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

Plating & Serving