Festival Foodways: Guatemalan Maya Sak’iq

achiote

🥗Healthier: turmeric

💰Cheaper: paprika

Turmeric provides color and health benefits similar to achiote.

chicken

🥗Healthier: tofu

💰Cheaper: pork

Tofu is a plant-based protein, while pork is a cheaper meat alternative.

Introduce the dish as Sak’iq, a traditional recipe passed down through generations.

Discuss the cultural significance of the dish, mentioning it is often made for weddings and birthdays.

Explain the process of preparing the turkey, including killing it and hanging it before washing.

Mention a traditional fermented corn drink given to the turkey as a sign of gratitude.

Show the ingredients, including banana leaves for wrapping tamales, and discuss the importance of each ingredient.

Prepare the tomatoes by cutting them in a cross pattern.

Cook the tomatoes and onions on a comal (or skillet) until they are sealed and fragrant, discussing the flavor imparted by the clay comal.

Transfer the cooked tomatoes and onions to a blender for blending.

Blend the tomatoes and onions with the turkey broth, ensuring the broth is cooled to avoid burns.

Prepare the masa (corn dough) using the blended mixture and turkey broth, mentioning the ratio of liquid to masa.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary