Home>Ingredients>Tomatillo Recipes>Recado de Pepian Indio (Guatemalan Pepian Indio Sauce)

Recado de Pepian Indio (Guatemalan Pepian Indio Sauce)

Recado de Pepian Indio, also known as Guatemalan Pepian Indio Sauce, is a traditional and flavorful seasoning used in Guatemalan cuisine. This rich and aromatic sauce is a fundamental element in many Guatemalan dishes, adding depth and complexity to the flavors of the food. It is a staple in the country's culinary tradition and is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Prep Time:

30 mins

Cook Time:

50 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 20 mins

Servings:

Yield:

5 cups

Ingredients

6 tomatoes

8 fresh tomatillos, husks removed

1 onion, peeled

2 garlic cloves

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

2 tablespoons hulled pumpkin seeds

1 thick slice of French baguette

4 sprigs fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon salt

2 black peppercorns

3 cups chicken broth

¼ cup olive oil

1 chayote, cut into 8 pieces

4 potatoes, thickly sliced

1 cup fresh corn kernels

3 cups chicken broth

Directions

Step 1

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; place tomatoes, tomatillos, onion, and garlic into the hot skillet and stir until vegetables are lightly charred, about 20 minutes. Remove vegetables from skillet; stir sesame and pumpkin seeds into the hot skillet, stirring until seeds are lightly toasted, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 2

Toast baguette slice in a toaster. Place baguette slice, tomatoes, onion, garlic, sesame seeds, cilantro, salt, and black peppercorns into a blender; pulse several times to chop, then blend the mixture until smooth. Pour 3 cups chicken broth into blender and puree again.

Step 3

Strain blended sauce through a sieve and pour into a large saucepan; stir olive oil into sauce. Place over medium-high heat, bring to a boil, and cook for 3 minutes. Stir chayote, potatoes, and corn into sauce; stir in 3 cups chicken broth. Bring back to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until chayote and potatoes are tender, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

319

Calories

14g

Fat

45g

Carbs

Protein

Complement

The sauce is made from a blend of toasted and ground spices, including sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, dried chilies, and other herbs and spices. The resulting mixture is then combined with tomatoes, tomatillos, and other ingredients to create a thick and savory sauce that is used to marinate and flavor meats, stews, and other dishes. The Recado de Pepian Indio is known for its earthy, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor, making it a versatile and essential component in many Guatemalan recipes. Whether used as a marinade, a base for stews, or as a condiment, this sauce adds a unique and delicious taste to any dish it is added to.