Pepián: A Guide to Guatemala’s National Dish

Last updated on October 6th, 2023 at 02:31 pm

Pepian, the national dish of Guatemala, is a culinary delight that has stood the test of time. This traditional stew, rich in flavors and history, offers a taste of Guatemalan culture with every bite.

Our team at Remitly created this guide as part of our series that celebrates the traditional foods of our global customers.

The History of Pepian

Pepian’s roots trace back to the ancient Mayan civilization. It was often used in ceremonial feasts and gatherings. Over centuries, it evolved into a staple dish for Guatemalans.

The recipe for Pepian has been passed down through generations. Each family adds their unique touch while preserving its essence. This continuity reflects the deep respect for tradition among the people of Guatemala.

Ingredients in Traditional Pepian

The ingredients in Pepian are simple yet flavorful. They include meat (usually chicken or pork), vegetables, and a blend of spices.

The heart of Pepian lies in its sauce—a mix of roasted tomatoes, tomatillos, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, and guajillo chilies. These ingredients are ground into a paste and cooked until they release their aromatic flavors.

The Cooking Process

Cooking Pepian is an art form that requires patience and precision. First, the meat is browned to seal in its juices. Then it’s simmered with vegetables until tender.

Next comes the sauce preparation—roasting and grinding the ingredients before adding them to the pot. The stew is then left to simmer until all flavors meld together harmoniously.

Guatemalan Pepián Recipe

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs chicken pieces (preferably chicken breast)
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 3 roma tomatoes
• 4 tomatillos
• 2 guajillo chiles
• 2 pasa chiles
• 1 guaque chile
• 1 medium chayote (guisquil) or 2 small ones, diced
• 1/2 cup green beans, chopped
• 1 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 2 garlic cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 black peppercorns
• 1 pinch of allspice
• 1 pinch of oregano
• 1 pinch of coriander
• A handful of cilantro, chopped
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Roasting Ingredients: Using a comal or a large pan over medium heat, toast the pepitas (pumpkin seeds), cup of sesame seeds, tomatillos, roma tomatoes, and all chiles (guajillo, pasa, and guaque) in batches. Make sure not to burn them. Once toasted, set aside.
2. Making the Recado (Sauce): In a blender, blend the roasted ingredients with garlic cloves and a bit of chicken broth until smooth. This sauce is often referred to as “recado” in the Mayan and Guatemalan culinary context.
3. In a large pot over medium heat, brown the chicken pieces.
4. Pour the blended recado over the chicken. Add chicken broth, ensuring the chicken pieces are submerged. Add the cinnamon stick, black peppercorns, allspice, oregano, and coriander. Stir well.
5. As the pepian de pollo (chicken pepian) simmers, add the diced guisquil (chayote) and green beans. Allow to simmer until chicken is tender and the vegetables are cooked.
6. Before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro for added flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve the Guatemalan pepián hot with white rice or warm corn tortillas. It’s common to pair this with a side of black beans.

For those unfamiliar with some ingredients, like guajillo, pasa, or guaque chiles, they can be found in the Mexican or Spanish section of many grocery stores, as their origins tie back to both Mayan and Mexican influences.

Variations Across Guatemala

Across Guatemala, variations of Pepian can be found reflecting regional preferences. Some regions prefer using turkey instead of chicken or pork; others add corn dough for thickness.

Despite these variations, one thing remains constant—the reverence for this dish as an embodiment of Guatemalan heritage.

Serving and Eating Etiquette

Pepian is typically served with rice or tortillas on the side—perfect accompaniments to soak up the flavorful sauce. It’s a communal dish, often shared among family and friends.

Influence of Mayan Culture

Mayan culture has significantly influenced Pepian. The use of corn, chilies, and squash seeds in the recipe are testament to this influence.

Moreover, the ceremonial significance of Pepian harks back to Mayan traditions. This connection underscores the enduring impact of Mayan culture on Guatemalan cuisine.

More about Guatemalan Food

Guatemalan cuisine is as diverse as its landscape—each region boasting its own unique dishes while sharing common culinary threads.

Staple Ingredients

Corn is central to Guatemalan cuisine—it’s used in tortillas served with almost every meal and also features prominently in tamales and atoles.

Beans are another staple—often served refried or as part of soups and stews like fiambre or Kak’ik.

Popular Dishes

Beyond Pepian, Guatemala offers a variety of dishes worth exploring. Tamales, for instance, are a beloved traditional dish—corn dough filled with meats or fruits and steamed in banana leaves.

Fiambre is another popular dish—a salad made from over 50 ingredients including various meats, cheeses, and pickled vegetables.

Sweet Treats

Guatemalan desserts are equally enticing. Rellenitos—plantain dough filled with sweetened black beans—are a favorite. So is Tres Leches cake, a sponge cake soaked in three kinds of milk.

Visit the homepage, download our app, or check out our Help Center to get started.