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Best Easy Pipián Rojo Recipe

Name: Best Easy Pipián Rojo Recipe
Total time: 65 min
Yield: 180 g
Ingredients: raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) 1.5 cups; boneless, skinless chicken thighs 2 lbs; dried guajillo chiles 4 pieces; dried ancho chiles 2 pieces; white onion 1 medium; garlic cloves 3 cloves; sesame seeds 3 tbsp; corn tortillas 2 pieces; chicken broth 3 cups; vegetable oil 2.5 tbsp; ground cumin 1 tsp; dried oregano 1 tsp; ground cinnamon 0.25 tsp; kosher salt 1.5 tsp; freshly ground black pepper 0.5 tsp

A rich red sauce made from toasted pumpkin seeds, dried chiles, and sesame seeds. This protein-rich, pre-Hispanic family sauce offers a nutty depth that enhances chicken or pork.

Cook 65 min Difficulty NORMAL 320 kcal

#high protein #mediterranean

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas) 1.5 cups
boneless, skinless chicken thighs 2 lbs
dried guajillo chiles 4 pieces
dried ancho chiles 2 pieces
white onion 1 medium
garlic cloves 3 cloves
sesame seeds 3 tbsp
corn tortillas 2 pieces
chicken broth 3 cups

Seasonings/Sauce

vegetable oil 2.5 tbsp
ground cumin 1 tsp
dried oregano 1 tsp
ground cinnamon 0.25 tsp
kosher salt 1.5 tsp
freshly ground black pepper 0.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 18 g 22%

Protein 18 g 22%

Fat 19 g 56%

Serving size 180g

Cooking steps

1

Remove stems and seeds from guajillo and ancho chiles. Heat a dry skillet over medium, toast chiles for 1–2 minutes per side until fragrant—do not let them blacken.
2

Toast pumpkin seeds in the same skillet over medium heat, stirring constantly, until golden and they begin to pop (about 3–4 minutes). Transfer to a plate to cool.
3

Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a pot over medium-high. Add onion and garlic, sauté for 4–5 minutes until translucent and softened.
4

Add toasted chiles, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, torn corn tortillas, cumin, oregano, and cinnamon to the pot. Stir for 2 minutes to combine and toast spices evenly.
5

Pour in chicken broth. Bring to a boil, lower to a gentle simmer, and cook for 20 minutes to soften all ingredients. Remove from heat and cool slightly.
6

Blend the mixture (in batches if needed) until completely smooth, adding a bit more broth if too thick. Return sauce to the pot.
7

In a separate skillet, heat 1.5 tbsp oil over medium-high. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, sear on both sides (2–3 min per side) until golden. Pour pipián sauce over chicken.
8

Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer chicken in sauce for 20–25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Adjust salt as needed before serving.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Pipián Rojo Recipe?

The defining ingredient in Pipián Rojo is pumpkin seeds (pepitas), which are toasted to bring out their rich, nutty flavor. Combined with sesame seeds, dried chiles, and corn tortillas, the pumpkin seeds create the sauce's signature thick texture and earthy taste.

Q. How do I prevent the chiles from burning during toasting?

To prevent bitterness from burnt chiles, use medium heat and toast the guajillo and ancho chiles for just 1–2 minutes per side. Pay close attention and turn them frequently; dark spots are fine, but avoid blackening.

Q. What's the best way to achieve a silky sauce texture?

For a smooth, silky Pipián Rojo, blend the sauce mixture thoroughly, working in batches if necessary. If the sauce is too thick, add small amounts of broth. Straining after blending gives an even finer finish, but isn't strictly required.

Q. How many calories and how much protein does each serving have?

Each 180g serving of this Best Easy Pipián Rojo Recipe provides about 320 kcal, with 18g of protein and a protein caloric ratio of roughly 22%. This makes it a protein-rich main dish with balanced nutrition.

Q. What gives this Pipián Rojo its distinctive flavor complexity?

The rich depth comes from toasting pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds for nuttiness, using two types of dried chiles for mild heat and color, plus aromatic onion, garlic, cumin, and oregano. This layering of flavors sets Pipián Rojo apart.

Best Easy Pipián Rojo Recipe

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