Pepián Zapoteco (Zapotec Pumpkin Seed Sauce)

Jun 02, 2023June 2, 20230 14

Pepián Zapoteco: A Savory Zapotec Pumpkin Seed Sauce

Pepián Zapoteco (Zapotec Pumpkin Seed Sauce)

by The Chefin Main

Prep

15 min

Cook

1 hour 15 min

Ready In

1 hour 30 min

Level

Difficult

Rating

Ingredients

	1 cup white beans ( dry . Substitute 3 cups canned )
	6 pods mexican anise
	2 cups pumpkin seeds , hulled
	3 dried arbol chiles , stems and seeds removed
	2 cups chicken stock
	1 1/2 ounces dried shrimp
	1 medium onion , finely chopped
	2 tablespoons epazote , crumbled , dried

Nutrision Information

Servings Per Recipe

Calories

350

Sugar

Fat

22g

Pepián Zapotec is a traditional dish from the Oaxaca region of Mexico, where it is made with toasted pumpkin seeds, dried chiles, and Epazote, a flavorful herb commonly used in Mexican cooking. The sauce is usually served over cooked rice or with grilled meats but can also be used as a dip for vegetables or tortilla chips.

Instructions

1.	Rinse and sort white beans, soak them in water overnight.
2.	Cook the soaked beans, Mexican anise pods, onion, dried shrimp and Epazote in a covered pot with 6 cups of water on medium heat until tender and beans are soft.
3.	Roast the hulled pumpkin seeds on a dry pan for 5-7 minutes or until aromatic, stirring occasionally. Remove from the heat and cool.
4.	Grind the toasted pumpkin seeds, dried arbol chiles and salt in a grinder or small food processor until coarsely ground.
5.	In a separate pot, heat the chicken stock on medium high heat. Bring it to a boil and add the ground pumpkin seed mixture. Lower the heat and let it cook for 5 minutes or until you have a thick smooth sauce.
6.	Pour the sauce over the cooked beans and let it simmer for another 10 minutes.
7.	Remove and discard the anise pods. Serve the sauce hot with a side of meat or over cooked rice.

PROS

Pepián Zapotec is a flavor packed sauce that is savory and nutty and is great with any kind of meat or vegetables.
It is rich in protein and vitamins, as well as high in antioxidants and healthy fats from the pumpkin seeds.

CONS

Spicy and may be too hot for some people.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Pepián Zapotec is low in cholesterol and high in protein and fiber, which promotes digestive health. The pumpkin seeds in the sauce are rich in antioxidants and healthy fats that help reduce inflammation, promote a healthy heart, and improve brain function. They are also high in magnesium, which aids in bone health and reducing blood pressure.