Red Pepian Recipe - The Washington Post

This is a Guatemalan pepian; Mexico has its own, spelled "pipian." New Yorker Melissa Pitts grew up with this red version in her house. The recipe comes from her aunt Claudia. Just about any kind of meat works in this dish, which comes together fairly quickly. Here, cooked chicken is used. Pitts serves it over

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This is a Guatemalan pepian; Mexico has its own, spelled "pipian." New Yorker Melissa Pitts grew up with this red version in her house. The recipe comes from her aunt Claudia.

Just about any kind of meat works in this dish, which comes together fairly quickly. Here, cooked chicken is used. Pitts serves it over white rice that's studded with peas (to add a little color). Sometimes she adds chunks of 2 boiled, peeled chayotes or potatoes to make it even more special.

Serve with rice or tortillas.

You'll need to soak the dried chili pepper in hot water for 20 to 30 minutes before getting started.

From Top Tomato 2011 finalist Melissa Pitts of New York, N.Y.

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Ingredients

measuring cup

Servings: 6-8

Directions

  • Step 1

    Combine the tomatoes, tomatillos, onion and the soaked, chopped chili pepper in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with a lid; place over medium heat and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, stirring once or twice, until most of the vegetables have softened. Remove from the heat and let cool for at least 10 minutes.

  • Step 2

    Meanwhile, heat the oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds, pepitas and cinnamon stick; toast for about 6 minutes, shaking the skillet a few times to keep the contents from burning. Remove from the heat and let cool for 10 minutes.

  • Step 3

    Working in batches, combine the vegetable mixture with its liquid and the toasted mixture in a blender (with the center knob of the lid removed so steam can escape; cover the opening with a dish towel to avoid splash-ups). Add up to 1 cup total of the broth, if needed, in order to process into a fairly smooth puree.

  • Step 4

    Strain the pureed mixture through a fine-mesh strainer back into the pot that was used to cook the vegetables, pressing to extract as much liquid as possible; you should have about 4 cups. Discard the solids.

  • Step 5

    Place the pot over medium heat. Add the remaining 2 to 3 cups of broth and the shredded chicken. Cook uncovered for about 30 minutes, stirring a few times. Taste and season with salt, if desired. Remove from the heat; after a few minutes, the sauce should thicken slightly (see NOTE).

  • Step 6

    Serve hot.

  • Step 7

    NOTE: If the mixture seems thin after cooking, stir in a slurry of 1 tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water and cook for a few minutes, until thickened. For an intense red color, add 1/4 teaspoon of achiote paste.

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    Nutritional Facts

    Per serving (based on 8)

    • Calories

      230

    • Fat

      9 g

    • Saturated Fat

      2 g

    • Carbohydrates

      5 g

    • Sodium

      135 mg

    • Cholesterol

      85 mg

    • Protein

      27 g

    • Fiber

      1 g

    • Sugar

      3 g

    This analysis is an estimate based on available ingredients and this preparation. It should not substitute for a dietitian’s or nutritionist’s advice.

    From Top Tomato 2011 finalist Melissa Pitts of New York, N.Y.

    Tested by Bonnie S. Benwick.

    Published August 16, 2011

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