Pepián is one of the most traditional dishes in Guatemala. It is widely recognized across the country and is often prepared for family meals and special gatherings. It is a thick stew made with chicken, vegetables, roasted tomatoes, seeds, and spices. The sauce is rich and slightly smoky because the ingredients are roasted before blending. Traditionally, it is served with rice and corn tortillas. This home version keeps the authentic flavor but uses ingredients that are easy to find.
😌 Difficulty: Medium
⏱️ Preparation time: 25 minutes
🔥 Cooking time: 45 minutes
⏳ Total time: 1 hour 10 minutes
👥 Servings: 4
Ingredients
- 1 kg chicken pieces (thighs and drumsticks work well)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- Salt
- Black pepper
- 3 medium tomatoes
- 1 small onion, cut in half
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1 red bell pepper
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 small dried chili (optional, for mild heat)
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
- 1 carrot, sliced
- 500 ml chicken broth
Typical side:
- White rice
- Corn tortillas
Instructions
- Heat a dry pan over medium heat. Roast tomatoes, onion, garlic, and bell pepper until slightly charred on the outside. Turn occasionally. This gives the sauce its traditional flavor.
- In the same pan, toast pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden. Do not burn them.
- Place the roasted vegetables and toasted seeds in a blender. Add cumin, coriander, and the dried chili if using. Blend until smooth.
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Season chicken with salt and black pepper. Brown the chicken on all sides, about 5-7 minutes.
- Pour the blended sauce into the pot with the chicken. Stir well.
- Add chicken broth, potatoes, and carrot. The liquid should mostly cover the ingredients.
- Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 35-40 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and vegetables are soft.
- Taste and adjust salt if needed. The sauce should be thick and rich.
- Serve hot with rice and warm corn tortillas.
SpinThatCuisine Tip 💡
Do not skip roasting the vegetables. The light char gives Pepián its deep, traditional flavor.