80 Pepian, Guatemala National Dish

pumpkin seeds

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: peanuts

Sunflower seeds are lower in calories and easier to find.

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner while chicken thighs are more economical.

sesame seeds

🥗Healthier: chia seeds

💰Cheaper: flaxseeds

Chia seeds offer similar texture with added health benefits.

chicken broth

🥗Healthier: vegetable broth

💰Cheaper: water with seasoning

Vegetable broth provides flavor without meat.

In a pan on high, toast the sesame seeds, shaking frequently for about 5 minutes or until they are toasted. Set aside. Do the same with the pumpkin seeds.

In the same pan or directly on the fire, cook the tortillas until they start to charr.

In the same pan on high heat, place the garlic, onions, red peppers, cinnamon stick, tomatillos, tomatoes, pasilla chili, guajillo chili, and ¼ cup of cilantro. Charr all these ingredients, removing them from the pan as they become charred on all sides. Set them aside.

In a pot, add the chicken, green beans, carrots, potatoes, chicken stock powder, and ¼ cup of cilantro. Add enough water so that there is 2 fingers of water above the ingredients. Bring to a boil and simmer for 20 minutes.

Remove 2 cups of chicken stock from the pot and set it aside.

In a blender, add all the ingredients that were set aside including the chicken stock and blend until smooth.

Add the blended ingredients back to the pot with the chicken along with 2 tsp of salt and mix together. Add breadcrumbs if a thicker consistency is desired. Simmer for 5 minutes and correct salt if necessary.

Serve with rice and enjoy.

Cooking Techniques

Spice Level:

Allergens