Pipian

Pipian Recipe - Chicken and Squash Seed Stew from Guatemala and Mexico

Region / culture: Guatemala, Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 50 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Pipian is a traditional Mexican dish that features a rich and flavorful sauce made from a blend of roasted tomatoes, onions, peppers, seeds, and spices. This dish is typically served with chicken, creating a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for any occasion.

History

Pipian has been a staple in Mexican cuisine for centuries, with its origins dating back to pre-Hispanic times. The sauce is believed to have been created by the Aztecs, who used a variety of ingredients such as squash seeds, sesame seeds, and chocolate to create a flavorful and aromatic sauce. Over the years, the recipe has evolved and adapted to include different ingredients and flavors, but the essence of the dish remains the same.

Ingredients

2 chickens
water as needed
2.5 tsp salt
3 large roma tomatoes, roasted
1 onion (about 0.25 lb or 113 g), roasted and sliced thick
2 guajillo peppers, stemmed, seeded, toasted, and soaked in hot water
0.33 cup pepitoria (green squash seeds), toasted
0.5 cup sesame seeds, toasted
1 cinnamon stick (2" long)
2 oz (57 g) mexican chocolate
3 tbsp achiote paste
4 cups chicken stock
1 whole clove
0.5 cup sweet vermouth

How to prepare

Cut each chicken into 4 equal parts.
Place the chicken pieces in a dutch oven.
Add enough water to almost cover the chicken and 1.5 tsp of salt.
Cover the dutch oven and cook until the chicken is just done, about 25 minutes.
Set the chicken aside (if there is a lot of liquid, drain it off).
Combine tomatoes, onion, peppers, pepitoria, sesame seeds, cinnamon stick, chocolate, achiote paste, chicken stock, 1 tsp of salt, and clove.
Bring the mixture to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat.
Blend the mixture in a food processor or blender and strain it through a medium sieve.
Taste the sauce for seasoning.
The sauce should have a medium consistency, not too thick or too thin.
When ready to serve, add vermouth to the chicken in the pot.
Simmer for 3 minutes, then add the sauce and cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Variations

You can customize the sauce by adding different types of peppers for a spicier kick or by incorporating other spices such as cumin or coriander for a unique flavor profile. You can also use different proteins such as pork or beef instead of chicken for a different twist on this classic dish.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

When making Pipian, it is important to roast the tomatoes and onions to bring out their natural sweetness and depth of flavor. Toasting the seeds also adds a nutty and rich flavor to the sauce. Additionally, be sure to blend the sauce until it is smooth and strain it to remove any lumps or chunks. This will ensure a silky and velvety texture to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Pipian is traditionally served with rice and warm tortillas. You can also serve it with a side of beans or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

To achieve the best flavor and texture, be sure to roast the tomatoes and onions until they are caramelized and fragrant. Toasting the seeds will also enhance their nutty flavor and add depth to the sauce. Blending the sauce until smooth and straining it will create a silky and velvety texture that is perfect for coating the chicken.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find achiote paste, you can substitute it with a mixture of paprika, cumin, and oregano for a similar flavor profile. You can also use pumpkin seeds instead of pepitoria for a different twist on the sauce.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the sauce and add it to the chicken for a quick and easy meal.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pipian in a large serving dish with a garnish of fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for a beautiful and appetizing presentation. You can also serve it in individual bowls with a side of rice and warm tortillas for a cozy and comforting meal.

Pairing Recommendations

Pipian pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including rice, beans, and fresh salads. You can also serve it with a glass of red wine or a cold beer for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the sauce and chicken in a saucepan over low heat until warmed through. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave for a quick and easy meal.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Pipian contains approximately 400 calories. This dish is a hearty and filling meal that is perfect for a special occasion or family dinner.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Pipian contains approximately 15 grams of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for the body and can help fuel your day.

Fats

Pipian is a rich and indulgent dish, with each serving containing around 20 grams of fats. The fats in this dish come from ingredients such as sesame seeds, chocolate, and achiote paste, which add flavor and richness to the sauce.

Proteins

With 25 grams of protein per serving, Pipian is a great source of this essential nutrient. Protein is important for building and repairing tissues in the body, making this dish a satisfying and nutritious option.

Vitamins and minerals

Pipian is packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, iron, and calcium. These nutrients are essential for overall health and well-being, making this dish a nutritious choice for a balanced diet.

Alergens

Pipian contains sesame seeds and chocolate, which may be allergens for some individuals. Be sure to check for any allergies before preparing this dish.

Summary

Pipian is a flavorful and nutritious dish that is rich in carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This traditional Mexican recipe is a delicious and satisfying option for any meal.

Summary

Pipian is a traditional Mexican dish that features a rich and flavorful sauce made from a blend of roasted tomatoes, onions, peppers, seeds, and spices. This dish is perfect for any occasion and is sure to impress your family and friends with its delicious and satisfying flavors.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the sense of wonder I felt when I first saw this recipe for Pipian. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the ways of the kitchen from my mother. We were visiting our family in Mexico, and my Tia Sofia was preparing this traditional dish for a family gathering.

As I watched her work, I was mesmerized by the way she effortlessly combined ingredients and transformed them into a delicious meal. The rich aroma of toasted pumpkin seeds, dried chilies, and spices filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

I asked Tia Sofia if I could help her, eager to learn the secrets of this mysterious dish. With a smile, she handed me a mortar and pestle and showed me how to grind the toasted pumpkin seeds into a smooth paste. She explained that the key to a good Pipian is patience and attention to detail, qualities that I would come to appreciate as I continued to cook over the years.

As the Pipian simmered on the stove, filling the kitchen with its warm, earthy scent, Tia Sofia shared the story of how she learned to make this dish from her own mother, who had learned it from her mother before her. She told me that the recipe had been passed down through generations, each cook adding their own twist to make it their own.

I was captivated by the idea of a recipe with such a rich history, and I knew that I wanted to make it a part of my own culinary repertoire. When the Pipian was finally ready, Tia Sofia served it with steaming hot tortillas and a dollop of creamy crema, inviting me to taste the fruits of our labor.

The first bite was a revelation. The complex flavors of the toasted pumpkin seeds, spicy chilies, and fragrant spices danced on my tongue, creating a symphony of taste that I had never experienced before. I was hooked, and from that moment on, Pipian became one of my favorite dishes to cook and share with my loved ones.

Over the years, I have continued to perfect my recipe for Pipian, adding my own twist with a touch of cinnamon and a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors. I have shared it with friends and family, who always ask for seconds and beg me for the recipe.

I can't help but smile when I think back to that day in Mexico, when I first learned to make Pipian from my Tia Sofia. It was a moment of connection and tradition that has stayed with me ever since, reminding me of the power of food to bring us together and create lasting memories.

And so, as I stand in my kitchen now, preparing a pot of Pipian for my own family, I feel a sense of gratitude for the generations of cooks who have passed down this recipe and entrusted me with its legacy. I know that with each bite, I am honoring their memory and creating new traditions for the generations to come.