Editorial sample recipeGuatemalanintermediategluten-freehalaldairy-free

Guatemalan Roasted Seed Pepián Chicken Stew

Name: Guatemalan Roasted Seed Pepián Chicken Stew
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Guatemalan
Ingredients: 1.5 lb Halal chicken thighs, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces; 0.25 cup Raw pumpkin seeds; 2 tbsp Sesame seeds; 4 medium Roma tomatoes, halved; 1 medium Dried guajillo chile, stemmed and seeded; 2 cup Halal chicken broth; 2 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized cubes; 0.25 tsp Ground cinnamon

A fragrant Guatemalan classic featuring tender chicken simmered in a velvety recado sauce made from dry-roasted pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, tomatoes, and mild chiles.

Prep: 20 min
Cook: 40 min
Total: 60 min

Technique to learn

Recado Sauce Emulsification

Dry-toasting seeds and charring fresh tomatoes creates a rich paste that thickens the stew naturally while providing deep nutty layers of flavor.

Instructions

Step 1: Dry-roast pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3 to 4 minutes until golden and fragrant, then transfer to a plate.
Step 2: In the same skillet, char the halved tomatoes and seeded guajillo chile over medium-high heat until skins blacken in spots, about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Transfer toasted seeds, charred tomatoes, guajillo chile, cinnamon, and 0.5 cup of chicken broth to a blender and process until completely smooth.

Step 4: Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a heavy Dutch oven over medium-high heat and sear chicken thigh pieces until lightly browned on all sides, about 6 minutes.

Step 5: Pour the blended seed recado sauce and the remaining 1.5 cups chicken broth into the pot with the chicken, stirring well to combine.

Step 6: Add cubed potatoes, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 25 minutes until potatoes are tender and chicken is cooked through.

Cooking tips

Toast seeds slowly over low-medium heat to prevent burning, which can make the recado sauce bitter.
Pouring the blended recado through a fine mesh strainer yields an extra-smooth, silkier sauce texture.
Original home-cooking adaptation inspired by Guatemalan; regional versions vary.
Use halal-certified meat, poultry, stock, sauces, cheese and other processed ingredients. Check labels and avoid cross-contamination. Recipe screening is not halal certification.

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