Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 lbs pork shoulder, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1 cup sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 hour.
4. While the pork is cooking, toast the pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly browned and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
5. Transfer the toasted seeds to a blender or food processor and blend until finely ground.
6. Once the pork has simmered for 1 hour, add the ground seeds to the pot and stir to combine.
7. Continue to simmer the pork for an additional 30 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened and the pork is tender.
8. Serve hot with rice or tortillas.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium-high heat for browning the pork
- Low heat for simmering the pork
Serving size:
- 6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 31g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork shoulder can be substituted with chicken or beef
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth
- Pumpkin seeds can be substituted with almonds or cashews
- Sesame seeds can be substituted with sunflower seeds or pine nuts
Variations:
- Add diced tomatoes or tomatillos to the pot for a tangy flavor
- Use a combination of different seeds for a unique flavor
- Add diced potatoes or sweet potatoes to the pot for a heartier meal
Tips and tricks:
- Toasting the seeds before blending them enhances their flavor
- Use a blender or food processor to grind the seeds finely for a smoother sauce
- Adjust the amount of chili powder to your desired level of spiciness
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pork pepian in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the pork pepian in a pot over medium heat until heated through
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pork pepian in a large bowl with rice or tortillas on the side
- Garnish with chopped cilantro or green onions for a pop of color
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of black beans or refried beans
- Pair with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast
Suggested side dishes:
- Rice
- Tortillas
- Black beans
- Refried beans
- Green salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth to thin it out
- If the pork is tough, simmer for an additional 30 minutes until tender
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the pork to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat
Food history:
- Pepian is a traditional Guatemalan dish that originated from the Maya civilization
Flavor profiles:
- Rich, nutty, and slightly spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot with rice or tortillas
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Region: Guatemalan