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Luscious Guatemalan Pepian with Pumpkin Seeds

Luscious Guatemalan Pepian with Pumpkin Seeds


A traditional Guatemalan stew that warms the heart

This rich and flavorful stew features tender chicken in a roasted vegetable and pumpkin seed sauce.

  • 2 h 30 min
  • 6
  • Intermediate

Chef’s Tip: Toasting the seeds and spices enhances their flavor profile.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

3 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
Juice of 1 lime

For the Sauce Base

2 tomatoes, halved
1 onion, quartered
1 red bell pepper, halved and seeded
2 dried Guajillo chiles, seeded
2 dried Pasilla chiles, seeded

For the Pepian Sauce

½ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
¼ cup sesame seeds
½ tsp ground cloves
1 cinnamon stick
3 cups chicken broth

For the Finishing Touches

2 potatoes, peeled and cubed
2 carrots, sliced
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Chef’s Tip:

Preparation


Marinating the Chicken

1

Combine Marinade

In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces with garlic, salt, pepper, and lime juice.

2

Mix to Coat

Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

3

Chill

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for deeper flavor.

Preparing the Sauce Base

1

Roast Vegetables

Roast the tomatoes, onion, and bell pepper on a baking tray at 400°F (200°C) until charred.

You can char the vegetables on a grill for a smoky aroma.

2

Toast Chiles

Toast the dried Guajillo and Pasilla chiles in a dry skillet until fragrant.

Ensure that chiles are not over-toasted as this can make them bitter.

3

Rehydrate Chiles

Rehydrate chiles in hot water for about 15 minutes until soft.

Cooking Process


1

Toasting Spices

Toast the pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, cloves, and cinnamon stick in a skillet until golden.

2

Blending Ingredients

Combine the toasted spices, rehydrated chiles, and roasted vegetables in a blender with chicken broth until smooth.

3

Stewing Chicken

In a large pot, add the chicken pieces and pour the smooth sauce over. Add potatoes and carrots, simmering until tender.

Never leave hot oil unattended. Keep a lid nearby …

Plating & Serving


Luscious Guatemalan Pepian with Pumpkin Seeds

Luscious Guatemalan Pepian with Pumpkin Seeds

Luscious Guatemalan Pepian with Pumpkin Seeds

FaUtensils

Plating & Serving

Serve the pepian in bowls with a generous ladle of the rich sauce.

Sauce Pairings

Chimol salsa
A fresh tomato and onion salsa
Warm corn tortillas
Perfect for scooping

Garnishes & Accompaniments

Chopped cilantroSliced radishes

Perfect Sides

White rice
Black beans

Chef's Final Touch

Toasting the seeds and spices enhances their flavor profile.

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