National Dish Guatemala: Recado de Pepitoria (Recipe)
In this article
Discover Recado de Pepitoria, one of Guatemala’s most treasured dishes! Tender chicken or turkey is simmered in a rich, velvety sauce built around toasted sesame, fresh vegetables and a warming blend of spices. The result is deeply savoury and wonderfully aromatic — comfort food with real history behind it. Handed down through the generations, this Guatemalan classic turns any meal into a special occasion.
About Recado de Pepitoria
Recado de Pepitoria is a signature dish from Guatemala that captures the country’s culinary spirit beautifully. It pairs tender meat — usually chicken or turkey — with a distinctive sauce made from toasted sesame, fresh vegetables and a generous mix of spices. Its creamy texture and layered flavours make every serving a memorable experience. More than a simple pleasure, Recado de Pepitoria is woven into the history and tradition of Guatemala, passed down lovingly from one generation to the next.
Ingredients (serves 1–2)
- 500g chicken breast or turkey
- 100g sesame seeds
- 2 tomatoes
- 1 onion
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 1 pepper
- 2 cups chicken stock
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon oil, for frying
Shopping for the ingredients
To make an authentic Recado de Pepitoria, it is worth sourcing the right ingredients. A traditional grocer or a local market is the best place to find fresh, good-quality produce. Pay particular attention to the sesame seeds, as they form the base of the dish’s characteristic sauce. Choosing regional ingredients not only supports local farmers but also gives you the very best flavour for your dish. Many of these staples appear across Guatemalan cuisine, so they are well worth keeping to hand.
Preparing the dish
Good preparation is a crucial step in bringing out the full flavour of Recado de Pepitoria. Start by cutting the meat into bite-sized pieces and seasoning it with salt and pepper. While that rests, prepare the vegetables — dice the onion, tomatoes and pepper into small, even pieces. Toasting the sesame seeds is just as important, as it deepens the flavour and brings the aromas beautifully to life.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oil in a pan and fry the chicken pieces until golden brown.
- Add the diced onion, garlic and pepper and sauté alongside the meat.
- In a separate pan, toast the sesame seeds until they turn golden.
- Add the raw tomatoes to the sesame mixture and blend everything to a smooth paste.
- Pour the sesame paste and the chicken stock into the pan with the meat and vegetables.
- Let it simmer gently over low heat until the meat is cooked through.
- Adjust the seasoning of the sauce and serve the dish hot.
Gluten-free / lactose-free version
Recado de Pepitoria is easy to prepare without gluten or lactose, which makes it an ideal dish for anyone with food intolerances. Simply use a gluten-free chicken stock and make sure no additional ingredients contain gluten or lactose. The core ingredients — chicken, vegetables and sesame — are all naturally gluten- and lactose-free. That way every food lover can enjoy this delicious dish without a second thought about their diet.
Tips for vegans and vegetarians
For those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, the recipe for Recado de Pepitoria offers plenty of scope for adaptation. Instead of meat, you might use tofu or tempeh, marinated beforehand to develop plenty of flavour. Be sure to swap the chicken stock for a plant-based alternative too. These simple changes preserve the dish’s aromas and let vegetarians and vegans enjoy the flavours of Guatemalan cooking, much as they might with a hearty Frijoles Negros.
More tips and tricks
To bring out the very best in Recado de Pepitoria, a few simple pointers go a long way. Toast the sesame seeds as described to intensify their nutty aroma. Fresh coriander or parsley makes a lovely garnish, adding both colour and freshness. You can also experiment with different spices, such as paprika or cumin, to give the sauce a personal touch and deepen the flavour even further.
Adapting the recipe to your taste
One of the great things about Recado de Pepitoria is how easily it adapts to personal preference. If you enjoy spicy food, add chillies or a pinch of cayenne pepper to give the dish an extra kick. For a milder version, simply reduce the amount of spice. This flexibility makes it easy to suit every palate while still honouring the tradition behind the dish.
Ingredient substitutions
If some ingredients for Recado de Pepitoria are hard to find, there are plenty of alternatives that stand in nicely. The chicken breast can be replaced with fish or seafood for a lighter dish, along the lines of a fresh Ceviche. If you cannot get hold of sesame, peanuts work well and bring their own nutty note. Substitutions like these let you stay creative and make it possible for anyone to prepare this wonderful dish, whatever is available.
Drink pairing ideas
Choosing the right drink completes the experience of Recado de Pepitoria. A classic Guatemalan option such as Rosa de Jamaica (a hibiscus drink) offers a refreshing, sweet-and-sour counterpoint to this savoury dish. An aromatic craft beer also pairs well, drawing out the flavours further. For an alcohol-free choice, serve agua de sandía (watermelon water) for a delicious, fruity lift — and round the meal off with a warm Cacao.
Serving and presentation ideas
Presentation can make a real difference to how Recado de Pepitoria is enjoyed. Serve the dish in an attractive, deep bowl and garnish it with fresh coriander and slices of lime. The colour of the sauce against the garnish creates a wonderfully appetising look. A scattering of toasted sesame seeds on top adds a final flourish and turns the dish into a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
A bit of history
Recado de Pepitoria has its roots in Guatemalan culture and is often served at celebrations and special occasions. It reflects the country’s culinary diversity, blending indigenous and colonial influences. The name pepitoria is linked to sesame, which plays an important role in Guatemalan cooking. Historically, this dish has been prepared by families across generations, and it remains a symbol of hospitality and tradition — much like a festive plate of Tamales Colorados.
More recipe ideas
Summary: Recado de Pepitoria
Recado de Pepitoria is a unique and flavourful dish that embodies the tastes and traditions of Guatemala. With its combination of tender meat and a spiced sesame sauce, it is an experience not to be missed. It adapts easily to different dietary needs and can be tailored to personal preference. If you are looking for a new flavour experience, Recado de Pepitoria is well worth a try!
