
Guatemalan Pepian with Grilled Pork and Tomatillo Sauce
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
For the Tomatillo Sauce
For the Spice Mix
For the Garnish
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

Guatemalan Pepian with Grilled Pork and Tomatillo Sauce
Guatemalan Pepian with Grilled Pork and Tomatillo Sauce
Serve and Plate
Serve Pepian over a bed of steamed rice, ensuring each plate has a generous portion of both pork and sauce.
