How to Make Guatemalan Turkey Pepian

pumpkin seeds

🥗Healthier: sunflower seeds

💰Cheaper: peanuts

Sunflower seeds provide a similar texture and flavor while being more accessible.

turkey

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: pork

Chicken is often less expensive and still offers a similar flavor profile.

Marinate turkey pieces overnight in mojo marinade.

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Roast turkey pieces in the oven for 40 minutes.

In a large saute pan, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and place 4 ripe roma tomatoes cut side down and 1 red bell pepper in pieces.

Saute the vegetables for 5 minutes on high heat to get a little char.

In a small saute pan, add 3 bay leaves, 1/4 cinnamon stick, 5 black peppercorns, 4 allspice berries, 3 whole cloves, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1 teaspoon cumin seeds.

Add 1/2 cup shelled pumpkin seeds and toast for about 3 minutes, keeping the pan moving to avoid burning.

Add 1/2 cup sesame seeds and toast for an additional 2 minutes, keeping the pan moving as the sesame seeds will pop.

Transfer the toasted seeds and spices to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle and grind into a powder.

In a blender, add the charred tomatoes and bell pepper.

Deseed, toast, and rehydrate pasilla and guajillo chilies in hot water, then add to the blender with its liquid.

Puree the ingredients for about 1 minute.

Add 1 cup of chicken stock and the ground seeds and spices to the blender and puree for 30 seconds until smooth.

Add 2 tablespoons of sabroso spice seasoning or 2 tablespoons of kosher salt and blend until combined.

In a large pot set at medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of oil and 1 cup of sliced white onions, sauteing for 3 minutes until translucent.

Add 2 cups of diced yukon gold potatoes and saute for an additional 2 minutes.

Add 4 sliced garlic cloves and saute for 30 seconds.

Add the roasted turkey pieces to the pot.

Pour the pepian sauce over the turkey pieces and stir to incorporate everything.

Lower the heat to low, cover, and cook for 2 hours or until the turkey meat is tender.

Add assorted vegetables and butternut squash to the pot, along with shredded turkey meat before serving.

Serve the turkey pepian in a bowl with some cooked rice.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens