Pepían-Guatemala’s National Dish
Throughout Guatemala, there are many traditional foods that showcase, not only the local produce of the region they are traditionally made in, but also embody the history of how our culture has become what it is today- an exuberant combination of flavours, languages, beliefs and even colours.
Pepían is one of Guatemala’s most well known traditional dishes. Some even say it’s Guatemala’s national dish! Although it’s said that it was created in Chimaltenango, pepían is cooked almost throughout Guatemala.
Pepían’s origins go back to the pre-Columbian era
Pepían’s origins go back to the pre-Columbian era when the Maya-Kaqchiqueles decided to mix two kinds of chillies (guaque and pasa) with onions and tomatoes to create a thick broth. Over time, other ingredients were added, like seeds (pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds,) garlic and coriander (all arrivals from the new world). This thick, reddish, almost brown caldo could become the perfect dish to accompany almost any meat.
Besides chicken, beef or pork, people added cooked vegetables to the mix like potatoes, squash, carrots, and even green beans. Pepían is usually with rice. Often a good amount of rice is added to the broth and comes with some hot tortillas or corn tamalitos on the side.
Pepían, apparently so simple to prepare and yet so flavourful, was served during important celebrations, in great ceremonies and rituals, related to religion and politics in the pre -Columbian era. Today, members of brotherhoods and community groups all over the country have continued with the tradition of preparing it for important celebrations, especially those that promote the conservation of Guatemala’s gastronomic traditions.
You really should try pepían if you’re visiting Antigua. For a great experience, head to the municipal market. It’s open throughout the week, but on market days (Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays) it’s bustling! Look for the small area of eateries, the comedores. You’ll always find a richly satisfying and amazingly cheap pepían available. It’ll be one of your trip’s highlights!
Written by Sofia Letona
Photos by Sofia Letona
