itsmepat
Novice Foodie
I recently tried making Guatemalan Pepian, and it was an absolutely flavorful and heartwarming experience! This traditional stew combines a rich blend of spices with tender chicken and vegetables, creating a truly comforting dish. Here's how you can bring a taste of Guatemala to your own kitchen with this Pepian recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Stew:
- 4 chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1 dried guajillo chili (or substitute with another mild dried chili)
- 1 dried pasilla chili (or substitute with another mild dried chili)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3-4 whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 2 large carrots, sliced
- 2 potatoes, cubed
- 1/2 cup green beans, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Serving:
- Cooked rice
- Fresh corn tortillas
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Ingredients:
- Toast the pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Toast the dried chilies, cinnamon stick, cloves, and black peppercorns in the same skillet until fragrant. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the toasted seeds and spices, tomatoes, and half of the chopped onion. Blend until smooth, adding a little water if necessary to form a paste.
2. Cook the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on all sides. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce:
- In the same pot, add the remaining chopped onion and garlic. Sauté until softened and fragrant.
- Add the tomato and spice paste to the pot and cook for a few minutes until the flavors meld together.
4. Simmer the Stew:
- Return the browned chicken to the pot, and add the chicken broth, carrots, potatoes, and green beans.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender.
5. Finish the Dish:
- Stir in the chopped cilantro and adjust the seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Let the stew simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve:
- Serve the Pepian hot with cooked rice and fresh corn tortillas on the side. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.
Conclusion
Guatemalan Pepian is a wonderfully rich and aromatic stew that perfectly balances spices and hearty ingredients. This traditional dish offers a taste of Guatemalan cuisine that's sure to warm your heart and satisfy your taste buds. Enjoy this delicious stew with your loved ones for a truly memorable meal!
