Pepián de Pollo (Keto Modified)
Chicken Pepián Stew with Keto Sides
Yes, with a tweak: omit all rice and tortillas. About 12g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Guatemalan food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A traditional, rich, and thick chicken stew, recognized as Guatemala's national dish. It features a complex sauce made from roasted tomatoes, tomatillos, various chiles, and a blend of ground seeds and spices. Traditionally served with rice and tortillas, which must be omitted for keto.
Key ingredients
Chicken, tomatoes, tomatillos, guajillo chiles, pasilla chiles, ancho chiles, pepitas (pumpkin seeds), sesame seeds, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, garlic, onion, chicken broth, cooking oil (e.g., vegetable oil or lard).
How to make it keto
Omit all rice and tortillas. Explicitly ask if flour or bread is used as a thickener in the stew and request it be omitted if possible. Request a side of sautéed low-carb vegetables like green beans, asparagus, or chayote instead of starchy accompaniments.
Watch out for
Hidden sugars in pre-made pastes or spice blends, small amounts of starchy vegetables (e.g., potato, carrot) sometimes used as thickeners in the stew, flour/bread used as a thickener.
Macros are estimates for a typical serving and vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients with staff, especially if you have allergies. Our ingredient lists are generated automatically and describe how a dish is typically made.
More on the Guatemalan menuAll 1,212 Guatemalan dishes ›
