Pepián de Pavo
A rich and flavorful turkey stew, Pepián de Pavo is a national dish of Guatemala. It features a complex sauce made from roasted tomatoes, chilies, seeds, and spices, simmered with tender pieces of turkey.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Turkey(cut into serving pieces)
- 4 medium Tomatoes
- 2 medium Tomatillos
- 1 medium Onion
- 4 cloves Garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup Sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup Pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1 tbsp Coriander seeds
- 1 tsp Cumin seeds
- 1/2 tsp Anise seeds
- 2 large Dried guajillo chilies(seeded and deveined)
- 1 large Dried ancho chilies(seeded and deveined)
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 1/4 cup Cilantro(chopped, for garnish)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Roast tomatoes, tomatillos, onion, and garlic on a comal or in a dry skillet until charred and softened.
- 2
Toast sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and anise seeds in a dry skillet until fragrant.
- 3
Rehydrate the guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water for about 15-20 minutes.
- 4
In a blender, combine the roasted vegetables, toasted seeds, rehydrated chilies, and about 1 cup of chicken broth. Blend until very smooth. This is your Pepián sauce base.
- 5
Heat vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the turkey pieces until browned on all sides.
- 6
Pour the blended Pepián sauce over the turkey. Add the remaining chicken broth. Season with salt and pepper.
- 7
Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour and 30 minutes, or until the turkey is very tender and the sauce has thickened. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- 8
Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro. Traditionally served with rice and corn tortillas.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Roasting the vegetables and toasting the seeds are crucial for developing the deep flavor of Pepián.
- ✓If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. If too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit longer.
- ✓For a spicier version, add a small amount of a hotter dried chili like arbol.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Pepián can also be made with chicken or beef.
- Some recipes include a small piece of cinnamon stick during the simmering process for added aroma.