Best Easy Pipián Verde Recipe

A vibrant green sauce made from toasted pumpkin seeds, tomatillos, and fresh herbs. This protein-rich, vegetarian-adaptable sauce is a fresh, family-friendly alternative to heavier moles.

Cook 40 min Difficulty NORMAL 210 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean
Image coming soon
Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • raw hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas) 1 cup
  • tomatillos, husked and rinsed 1.5 cups
  • poblano pepper, seeded and chopped 1 piece
  • cilantro leaves, loosely packed 1 cup
  • fresh parsley leaves, loosely packed 0.5 cup
  • white onion, coarsely chopped 0.5 cup
  • garlic cloves, peeled 3 cloves
  • vegetable broth 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • olive oil 2 tbsp
  • kosher salt 1 tsp
  • freshly ground black pepper 0.5 tsp
  • ground cumin 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 11 g 21%
Protein 7 g 13%
Fat 16 g 66%
Serving size 110g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat a large dry skillet over medium heat. Add the pumpkin seeds and toast, stirring constantly, until they puff up and begin to pop, 4–5 minutes. Transfer to a plate to cool.

  2. 2

    In the same skillet, add the tomatillos, poblano pepper, onion, and garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the tomatillos and pepper are lightly blistered and softened, about 6–8 minutes. Stir occasionally for even roasting.

  3. 3

    Transfer the toasted seeds, cooked vegetables, cilantro, parsley, cumin, and half the broth to a blender. Blend until a mostly smooth but slightly coarse sauce forms.

  4. 4

    Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium-low. Pour in the blended sauce, season with salt and black pepper, and cook, stirring, for 3–4 minutes to help flavors meld.

  5. 5

    Gradually add the remaining broth to reach your desired consistency, then simmer the sauce uncovered on low for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally so it doesn't scorch. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The defining ingredient in Pipián Verde is toasted raw hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas). They give the sauce its characteristic nutty richness, creamy texture, and provide a significant protein boost, distinguishing Pipián Verde from other green salsas and moles.
Q. Which step is most important for developing flavor?
Properly toasting the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet until they pop is crucial—it deepens their flavor and adds complexity to the sauce. Sautéing the tomatillos, peppers, and aromatics until blistered also brings out sweetness and subtle smokiness, building the base of the dish.
Q. How can I prevent the sauce from burning or becoming too thick?
Keep the heat at medium-low when simmering the blended sauce, and stir regularly, especially as it thickens. Gradually add the remaining broth to maintain a smooth and pourable consistency, and avoid letting the sauce dry out or stick to the pan.
Q. What are the nutrition values and ratios for this Pipián Verde?
Each 110g serving has about 210 kcal, with 11g carbs (21% of calories), 7g protein (13%), and 16g fat (66%). The sauce is higher in healthy fats due to pepitas and olive oil, moderate in protein, and lower in carbohydrates compared to many moles.
AI 채팅 아이콘