Pulique

Pulique Recipe - Traditional Guatemalan Beef Stew

Region / culture: Guatemala | Servings: 4

Introduction

Pulique is a traditional Guatemalan dish that features tender beef cooked in a flavorful tomato and pepper sauce. This dish is rich in flavor and perfect for a special occasion or family dinner.

History

Pulique has its origins in Mayan cuisine and has been enjoyed in Guatemala for centuries. The dish is typically made with beef, tomatoes, peppers, and a variety of spices, creating a delicious and hearty meal.

Ingredients

1 beef filet (about 2 lb or 907 g)
2 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp minced garlic
4 whole garlic cloves
salt to taste
freshly-ground black pepper to taste
3 large roma tomatoes, cut in half
1 small onion, roughly chopped
2 guaque peppers, seeds removed
2 whole cloves
5 black peppercorns
1 sprig of epazote, leaves removed from tip
2 cups chicken stock

How to prepare

Place the beef in a roasting pan or Dutch oven.
Coat the beef with olive oil and minced garlic, and sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Bake the beef uncovered at 400°F (204°C) for 10 minutes.
Meanwhile, combine tomatoes, onion, garlic cloves, peppers, cloves, and peppercorns in a saucepan and cook over medium-low heat for 8 minutes.
Puree the mixture in a blender with epazote and stock.
Add the pureed mixture to the beef, cover, and bake for an additional 5 minutes. (The beef should remain slightly pink in the center.)
Place the beef on a platter, cut into slices, and ladle the sauce over the top.

Variations

Substitute chicken or pork for the beef.
Add vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini to the sauce for extra flavor and nutrition.
Use different herbs and spices to customize the dish to your taste.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to sear the beef before baking to lock in the juices and enhance the flavor.

- Adjust the amount of peppers to suit your spice preference.

- For a richer sauce, you can add a splash of red wine or beef broth.

Serving Suggestions

Pulique is traditionally served with rice and black beans. You can also serve it with tortillas or a side salad for a complete meal.

Cooking Techniques

Searing the beef before baking helps to lock in the juices and create a flavorful crust.

- Pureeing the sauce ingredients creates a smooth and rich texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you can't find guaque peppers, you can use jalapenos or serrano peppers instead.

- Epazote can be substituted with cilantro or parsley.

Make Ahead Tips

Pulique can be prepared ahead of time and reheated before serving. Store the cooked beef and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Pulique on a large platter with the sauce drizzled over the top. Garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Pulique pairs well with a light and refreshing salad, such as a cucumber and tomato salad. A glass of red wine or a cold beer complements the rich flavors of the dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 280 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 8g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 3g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 32g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamin C: 20% of daily value per serving

Iron: 15% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: None

Summary

Pulique is a protein-rich dish that is relatively low in carbohydrates and calories. It is a good source of iron and vitamin C.

Summary

Pulique is a delicious and hearty dish that is perfect for a special occasion or family dinner. With its rich flavors and tender beef, this traditional Guatemalan recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

How did I get this recipe?

I can still picture the first time I came across this recipe for Pulique. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in Guatemala. My grandmother was the one who introduced me to this traditional dish, and I remember her teaching me how to make it with such patience and love.

Pulique is a delicious chicken stew that is a staple in Guatemalan cuisine. It is made with tender pieces of chicken, cooked in a flavorful broth with vegetables and spices. The key to making a good Pulique is in the seasoning – it should be rich and fragrant, with a perfect balance of flavors.

My grandmother learned how to make Pulique from her own mother, who in turn had learned it from her mother before her. It was a recipe that had been passed down through generations, each one adding their own twist to make it their own.

As a young girl, I would watch my grandmother as she prepared the ingredients for Pulique. She would start by chopping onions, garlic, and tomatoes, and then move on to seasoning the chicken with a blend of spices that she kept in a small glass jar. The aromas that filled the kitchen as she cooked were intoxicating, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

One of the most important steps in making Pulique is to make a roux, which is a mixture of flour and oil that is cooked until it is golden brown. This roux is then added to the broth, where it thickens and adds a richness to the stew. My grandmother would always remind me to stir the roux constantly, so that it didn't burn and ruin the flavor of the dish.

Another key ingredient in Pulique is the addition of a special herb called epazote. This herb has a unique flavor that is hard to describe – it is earthy and slightly bitter, with a hint of citrus. My grandmother would always tell me that the secret to a good Pulique was to use fresh epazote, and that it was worth the extra effort to find it at the market.

Once the Pulique was simmering on the stove, my grandmother would let it cook slowly for hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the chicken to become tender. The smell that filled the house was enticing, and I would sit at the table, eagerly waiting for the moment when we could finally sit down and enjoy the fruits of our labor.

As we gathered around the table to eat, my grandmother would always remind us to say a prayer of thanks for the food we were about to receive. She believed that cooking was a form of love, and that sharing a meal with loved ones was a sacred act.

Over the years, I have made Pulique countless times, each time adding my own touch to the recipe. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all raved about how delicious it is. I have even taught my own children how to make it, passing down the tradition that was started by my grandmother so many years ago.

I am grateful for the gift of cooking that my grandmother gave me, and for the love and care that she poured into every dish she made. Pulique will always hold a special place in my heart, reminding me of the bonds of family and the joy of sharing a meal with those we love.