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.
Pepián is traditionally cooked with chicken, beef, or pork, and sometimes, you can use a mix of proteins, simmered in a richly seasoned sauce thickened with ground roasted seeds like pumpkin and sesame seeds.
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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.
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 incorporated, creating a fusion of indigenous and colonial culinary traditions.
Today, Pepián is considered Guatemala’s national dish and a symbol of the country’s cultural identity. It’s often prepared for special occasions, family gatherings, and festivals — a dish that brings generations together around the table.
Its preparation is seen as an act of love and pride, passed down from grandmothers to children, preserving both flavor and history.
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Every spoonful of pepián carries centuries of tradition, from the ancient Mayan kitchens to the bustling markets of modern-day Antigua. It’s a dish that tells a story—of roasted spices, shared meals, and a culture that finds warmth in togetherness.
When you make Pepián, you’re not just cooking; you’re preserving a piece of history and savoring the flavors of a nation proud of its roots.
Happy cooking!