Authentic Guatemalan Pepián: A Rich Chicken Stew with Mayan Roots

Pepián is one of Guatemala’s most iconic and beloved dishes — a thick, flavorful stew that beautifully blends the country’s Mayan heritage with Spanish colonial influences. This Mayan roots soup has a deep, earthy taste thanks to its aromatic spices. Background and Origin The sauce for making pepian is the soul of the dish. It’s a complex blend of tomatoes, dried chiles, garlic, and onions, all roasted to intensify their flavor before cooking and ground into a smooth paste. Vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and green beans are often added, making Pepián not just hearty but also wholesome. It’s typically served with warm corn tortillas or rice, perfect for soaking up every drop of the sauce. Pepián’s roots trace back to Guatemala’s ancient Mayan civilization, where thick sauces made with roasted seeds and local chiles were a staple in ceremonial and communal meals. After the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century, new ingredients such as onions, garlic, and certain spices were inc…

• Time: 85 min
• Servings: 7

Source: Recipe Buster

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