Recetas guatemaltecas tradicionales

Notes and Tips

You can also use beef or pork instead of chicken or even combine several kinds of meat. For a vegetarian version, use a large carrot instead of the chicken. Additionally, you can use 1/2 pound of green beans.

• Roast tomatoes, cilantro, onion, and chilies.
• Boil güisquil, potatoes, and chicken with cilantro and salt.
• Toast sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, allspice, cloves, and cinnamon.
• Blend roasted ingredients with their liquid until smooth.
• Mix the sauce with the chicken stock; thicken with corn flour if needed.

Notes and Tips

You can also use beef or pork instead of chicken or even combine several different kinds of meat.

For a vegetarian version use a big carrot instead of the chicken. Additionally you can use 1/2 pound of green beans.

• Sauté onion, bell pepper, garlic, and tomato in oil.
• Add spices, chicken, salt, and pepper. Cook for 10 minutes.
• Add chicken broth and bay leaf, cook for 30-40 minutes.
• Blend the sauce with cilantro, then return chicken to the sauce to cook for a few more minutes.

Notes and Tips

You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by blending more or less of the sofrito. If you prefer a spicier version, add a chili pepper to the sofrito. For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken with some of the spices before cooking.

• Peel the vegetables and cut them into small strips. Fry the vegetables in oil stirring them until the onions are crystallized then add the rice and keep stirring for 5 minutes more. Add enough to cover the contents of the pot and cook thoroughly until done (approx. 20 min). Serve the rice as a side dish.

Notes and Tips

Guatemalan Rice is a versatile side dish that pairs perfectly with traditional meals like Chicken Pepián. Its simple preparation highlights the fresh flavors of vegetables and complements any main course, making it a staple in Guatemalan cuisine.

• Cut the radishes and the onions into small slices. Finely chop the mint and add it to the radish and onions. Add the lime juice and salt and serve the salad as a cold side dish. You can add small slices of jalapeño to make the salad spicy.

Notes and Tips

Radish Salad is a refreshing and simple side dish that brings a vibrant crunch and zesty flavor to any meal. The combination of fresh radishes, onions, and lime juice creates a perfect balance of textures and tastes, with optional jalapeño adding a spicy kick for those who enjoy extra heat.

• Cut and boil plantains with cinnamon and sugar for 10 minutes. Drain, peel, and mash into a smooth paste. Melt chocolate with water, mix with refried beans into a paste. Shape plantain paste into bowls, fill with chocolate-bean mixture, seal, and fry until golden brown. Serve plain or with sugar.

Notes and Tips

Rellenitos are a beloved Guatemalan dessert that combines the natural sweetness of plantains with a rich chocolate-bean filling, creating a unique balance of flavors. This dish highlights the versatility of traditional ingredients and offers a comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion.

• Fry the plantains until golden and set aside. Toast the sesame and pumpkin seeds. Blend the tomatoes, chili raisin, chocolate, cinnamon stick, water, bread, and toasted seeds into a smooth mixture. Cook the blend over medium heat until thickened. Serve over chicken or vegetables.

Notes and Tips

Mole is a versatile and deeply flavorful sauce that balances sweet, savory, and spicy elements. Using high-quality chocolate and fresh ingredients is key to achieving an authentic and rich taste.

• Mix the corn flour with water and knead until it becomes a smooth, thick dough, which always stays a little sticky. Put a little water on your hands and roll into a ball, clapping your hands to create the flat tortilla shape. Depending on your tortilla-making skills and taste you can make big ones or smaller.

Notes and Tips

Use a comal or a flat frying pan fry the tortillas without any oil on a medium low flame. Flip them from time to time. The tortillas are ready when they have little brown spots on them. This will normally take a few minutes.

• Blend the corn kernels with 2 cups of water, then strain to extract the liquid. In a pot, combine the strained liquid, the remaining water, and the cinnamon stick. Simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens. Add sugar, milk (optional), and vanilla extract, stirring until well combined. Remove the cinnamon stick and serve hot.

Notes and Tips

Atol de elote is a comforting and traditional Guatemalan drink, perfect for chilly mornings or festive occasions. Using fresh corn is essential for its authentic flavor and creamy texture. Adjust sweetness and consistency to your preference.