How to Prepare a Traditional Mexican Pepián- A Step-by-Step Guide

Cómo preparar un pepián

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that takes you to the heart of Mexican cuisine? One of the most iconic dishes from this vibrant country is the delicious and flavorful pepián. Made with a rich blend of spices, chilies, and traditional ingredients, a well-prepared pepián is a true taste of Mexico. In this article, we will guide you through the steps of how to prepare an authentic pepián, ensuring that you can enjoy this mouthwatering dish in the comfort of your own home.

What is a pepián?

A pepián is a traditional Mexican stew that originated in the Yucatán Peninsula. It is typically made with a combination of tomatoes, chili peppers, nuts, seeds, and various spices, creating a complex and aromatic flavor profile. The name “pepián” comes from the Mayan word “pib,” which refers to an earthenware pot used for cooking. This stew is often served with meats such as chicken, turkey, or pork, and can be accompanied by rice or tortillas.

Ingredients for an authentic pepián

To prepare an authentic pepián, you will need the following ingredients:

– 2 pounds of chicken, turkey, or pork, cut into pieces
– 2 tablespoons of olive oil
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons of ground cumin
– 1 tablespoon of chili powder
– 1 teaspoon of ground coriander
– 1 teaspoon of ground turmeric
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
– 2 cups of water
– 2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
– 1 cup of fresh tomatoes, chopped
– 1/2 cup of green chili peppers, chopped
– 1/2 cup of toasted pumpkin seeds
– 1/4 cup of toasted sesame seeds
– 1/4 cup of toasted sunflower seeds
– 1/4 cup of toasted cashews
– 1/4 cup of toasted almonds
– 1/4 cup of masa harina (corn flour)

How to prepare a pepián

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s move on to the preparation steps:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it is translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for another minute.
3. Stir in the ground cumin, chili powder, ground coriander, ground turmeric, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for a few minutes until the spices are fragrant.
4. Add the chicken, turkey, or pork pieces to the pot and cook until they are browned on all sides.
5. Pour in the water and chicken or vegetable broth, and bring the mixture to a boil.
6. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the meat simmer for about 45 minutes to an hour, or until it is tender.
7. While the meat is cooking, toast the pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, cashews, and almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat. Once they are golden brown, transfer them to a bowl and let them cool.
8. Once the meat is tender, remove it from the pot and set it aside. In the same pot, add the chopped tomatoes and green chili peppers, and cook until the tomatoes are soft.
9. Add the toasted nuts and seeds to the pot, along with the masa harina, and stir well to combine.
10. Return the cooked meat to the pot and stir everything together. Cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
11. Serve the pepián hot, garnished with fresh cilantro and avocado slices, if desired.

Enjoy your homemade pepián

Now that you have learned how to prepare an authentic pepián, you can impress your friends and family with this mouthwatering Mexican dish. Remember to take your time and enjoy the process, as the key to a delicious pepián lies in the patience and care you put into the preparation. ¡Buon appetito!