Pepián de Pollo (Keto Modified, Masa-Free)
Keto Guatemalan Chicken Stew with Roasted Seed Sauce
Yes, with a tweak: essential to confirm the sauce is prepared without corn masa, bread, or any other starch-based thickener. About 13g net carbs per serving, on the higher side for Guatemalan food, so watch the portion.
What it is
A rich and complex chicken stew with a sauce made from roasted seeds (pumpkin, sesame), chiles, tomatoes, and tomatillos. Authentic Pepián is traditionally thickened with corn masa or bread, so it's critical to request a version made without these thickeners. Served with non-starchy vegetables like green beans and güisquil (chayote).
Key ingredients
Chicken pieces, pumpkin seeds (pepitas), sesame seeds, chiles (e.g., guaque, pasilla), tomatoes, tomatillos, garlic, onion, cilantro, green beans, güisquil, cooking oil. No masa or bread thickener.
How to make it keto
Essential to confirm the sauce is prepared without corn masa, bread, or any other starch-based thickener. Request to omit starchy vegetables (potatoes, carrots, corn) and replace with extra non-starchy vegetables like green beans or güisquil.
Watch out for
The sauce is almost always thickened with corn masa; sauces can contain hidden sugars; inclusion of starchy vegetables; restaurant may not be able to accommodate a masa-free version.
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.
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