Spicy Guatemalan Pepian de Res with Pumpkin Seeds

Name: Spicy Guatemalan Pepian de Res with Pumpkin Seeds
Prep time: 3 h
Cook time: 3 h
Total time: 3 h
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Main Course
Ingredients: Beef chuck; Garlic; Salt; Black pepper; Lime juice; Raw pumpkin seeds; Dried guajillo chilies; Dried ancho chili; Tomatoes; Onion; Annatto seeds; Ground cumin; Ground cinnamon; Chicken broth; Vegetable oil; Bay leaf; Cinnamon stick; Fresh thyme

A traditional Guatemalan beef stew with a spicy, nutty twist

A hearty and flavorful dish, Pepian de Res is a Guatemalan classic! This peppery stew is enriched with the nutty taste of pumpkin seeds, creating a rich, comforting meal.

3 h 30 min
6
Intermediate

Ingredients

For the Beef & Marinade

Beef chuck

1 kg, cut into chunks

Garlic

3 cloves, minced

Salt

1 tsp

Black pepper

1/2 tsp

Lime juice

Juice of 1 lime

For the Pepian Sauce

Raw pumpkin seeds

1/4 cup

Dried guajillo chilies

2, seeds removed

Dried ancho chili

1, seeds removed

Tomatoes

2 medium, chopped

Onion

1, chopped

Annatto seeds

1 tsp

Ground cumin

1/2 tsp

Ground cinnamon

1/2 tsp

Chicken broth

2 cups

For the Aromatics

Vegetable oil

2 tbsp

Bay leaf

Cinnamon stick

Fresh thyme

2 sprigs

Preparation

Marinating the Beef

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the beef chunks with garlic, salt, pepper, and lime juice.

Coat the Beef

Toss well to coat the beef thoroughly.

Refrigerate

Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Preparing the Pepian Sauce

Toast Pumpkin Seeds

In a dry skillet, toast pumpkin seeds until golden and aromatic.

Ensure all seeds and spices are toasted; raw seeds may have a bitter taste.

Toast Chilies

Toast guajillo and ancho chilies briefly until they puff up slightly.

Blend the Sauce

Blend the toasted seeds, chilies, tomatoes, onion, annatto seeds, cumin, and cinnamon with chicken broth until smooth.

Strain the blended sauce for a smoother finish.

Cooking Process

Sear the Beef

Heat the oil in a large pot and brown the beef on all sides.

Build the Flavor Base

Add the bay leaf, cinnamon stick, and thyme to the pot, followed by the Pepian sauce.

Simmer

Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer until beef is tender, approximately 1.5 hours.

Plating & Serving