Luscious Guatemalan Pepian with Pumpkin Seeds

Name: Luscious Guatemalan Pepian with Pumpkin Seeds
Prep time: 2 h
Cook time: 2 h
Total time: 2 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: 3 lbs chicken pieces (bone-in); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; Juice of 1 lime; 2 tomatoes, halved; 1 onion, quartered; 1 red bell pepper, halved and seeded; 2 dried Guajillo chiles, seeded; 2 dried Pasilla chiles, seeded; ½ cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas); ¼ cup sesame seeds; ½ tsp ground cloves; 1 cinnamon stick; 3 cups chicken broth; 2 potatoes, peeled and cubed; 2 carrots, sliced; Salt to taste; Pepper to taste

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

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

Preparation

Marinating the Chicken

Combine Marinade

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

Mix to Coat

Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.

Chill

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

Preparing the Sauce Base

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.

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.

Rehydrate Chiles

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

Cooking Process

Toasting Spices

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

Blending Ingredients

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

Stewing Chicken

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

Plating & Serving