Latin American > Guatemalan

Quinoa Pepian Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Special equipment needed:
- Blender or food processor

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Rinse the quinoa in a fine-mesh strainer and place it in a medium saucepan with 2 cups of water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.

2. While the quinoa is cooking, heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until softened.

3. Add the pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until lightly toasted.

4. Transfer the onion mixture to a blender or food processor and add the vegetable broth, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.

5. Return the sauce to the skillet and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Add the cooked quinoa and stir to combine. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.

6. Serve the quinoa pepian hot, garnished with chopped cilantro.


- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Medium heat
Serving size:
- 4 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 14g
- Fiber: 6g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use chicken or beef broth instead of vegetable broth.
- You can use any type of seeds you like, such as sunflower or flax seeds.

Variations:
- Add cooked chicken or tofu for extra protein.
- Use different spices to change the flavor, such as chili powder or curry powder.

Tips and tricks:
- Toasting the seeds before blending them will bring out their flavor.
- Make sure to rinse the quinoa well before cooking to remove any bitterness.
- You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Storage instructions:
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the quinoa pepian in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the quinoa pepian in individual bowls, garnished with chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Garnishes:
- Chopped cilantro
- Sesame seeds

Pairings:
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.

Suggested side dishes:
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add more broth to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the quinoa and sauce to a safe temperature of 165°F.

Food history:
- Pepian is a traditional Guatemalan sauce made with seeds, spices, and vegetables.

Flavor profiles:
- Nutty
- Spicy
- Savory

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the quinoa pepian as a main dish for lunch or dinner.

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Taste: Spicy, Savory, Earthy, Nutty, Tangy, Herbal