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Pepian
Pepián is a beloved traditional Guatemalan dish that embodies the rich culinary heritage of Central America. This aromatic stew is renowned for its complex flavors, created with a delightful blend of spices, seeds, and chilies, which come together to form a luscious sauce. Typically served with tender chicken or beef, Pepián is often accompanied by rice or warm tortillas, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. This dish is not just food; it tells the story of Guatemala's diverse cultural influences and is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons
- Water
- 4 cups, divided
- Salt
- to taste
- Black peppercorns
- 1 teaspoon
- Cloves
- 3 whole
- Cinnamon stick
- 1
- Ancho chilies
- 2, dried
- Guajillo chilies
- 2, dried
- Almonds
- 1/4 cup, toasted
- Sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons, toasted
- Pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup, toasted
- Garlic
- 4 cloves, minced
- Onion
- 1 medium, chopped
- Tomatillos
- 4, husked and chopped
- Tomatoes
- 2, chopped
- Chicken or beef
- 2 pounds, cut into pieces
Instructions
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add the chicken or beef pieces and cook until browned on all sides. Remove from the pot and set aside.
- In the same pot, add the chopped tomatoes, tomatillos, onion, and minced garlic. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the vegetables are cooking, prepare the sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine the toasted pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, almonds, dried guajillo chilies, ancho chilies, cinnamon stick, cloves, black peppercorns, and a pinch of salt. Blend with 1 cup of water until smooth.
- Add the blended mixture to the pot with the sautéed vegetables. Stir well to combine and allow to cook for another 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Return the browned chicken or beef to the pot and add the remaining 3 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 1 hour, or until the meat is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- Serve the pepián hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired, alongside rice or warm tortillas.
Tips
- For a spicier kick, add more guajillo chilies or incorporate a fresh jalapeño into the vegetable mix.
- Try using a mix of proteins, such as chicken thighs and beef, for a more diverse flavor.
- This dish can also be made with vegetables for a vegetarian option; simply omit the meat and add hearty vegetables like potatoes and carrots.
Dietary Information
Servings: 6 Dish Type: Main Course Prep Time: 20 minutes Cook Time: 1 hour Calories: 450 Fat: 25g Carbs: 30g Protein: 30g Sodium: 300mg Sugar: 5g
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