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

Preparation
Get these tasks done before you start cooking.
Marinating the Pork
- 1
Season the Pork
Rub pork cubes with olive oil, salt, and black pepper.
- 2
Refrigerate Pork
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour for best flavor.
- 3
Rest the Pork
Remove from fridge 30 minutes before grilling to bring to room temperature.
Preparing the Tomatillo Sauce
- 1
Roast Vegetables
Roast tomatillos, onions, and garlic on a baking sheet at 400°F until soft and slightly charred, about 25 minutes.
- 2
Toast Chilies
Toast dried chilies in a dry skillet until aromatic.
Tip: Ensure chilies are deseeded to control heat levels.
- 3
Blend Sauce
Blend roasted vegetables, chilies, and spices until smooth.
Tip: Add more toasting time for spices for enhanced aroma and flavor.
How to Make Guatemalan Pepian with Grilled Pork and Tomatillo Sauce
Total time: 4 h 40 min · Yields 6 servings
- 1
Grill the Pork
Grill the marinated pork over medium-high heat until cooked, about 20 minutes.
- 2
Simmer the Sauce
Transfer blended sauce to a pot, add grilled pork, and simmer for 1 hour over low heat.
- 3
Final Adjustments
Stir occasionally, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
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