Guatemalan food brings together flavors from Mayan, Spanish, and African traditions. The cuisine features corn, beans, rice, meats, and tropical fruits in tasty combinations.

You’ll find hearty stews, grilled meats, savory tamales, and fresh salsas among the country’s beloved dishes.

Try cooking Guatemalan recipes at home to experience the rich tastes of this Central American country. From simple street foods to more complex dishes, there are options for every skill level.

Get ready to spice up your kitchen with new ingredients and techniques as you explore Guatemala’s culinary heritage.

1. Kak’ik – Traditional Turkey Soup

Kak’ik is a beloved Guatemalan dish that will warm your heart and soul. This traditional Mayan turkey soup is packed with flavor and spices.

To make kak’ik, you’ll simmer dark turkey meat in a rich, red broth. The soup gets its distinctive color from tomatoes and annatto seeds.

You’ll add aromatic ingredients like onions, garlic, and cilantro to enhance the taste. Spices like coriander and chile peppers give kak’ik a gentle kick.

Serve your kak’ik with rice or corn tortillas for a filling meal. It’s perfect for chilly days or as a unique alternative to plain roast turkey.

2. Pepian – Guatemalan Chicken Stew

Pepian is a flavorful chicken stew that’s considered Guatemala’s national dish. You’ll love its rich blend of spices and textures.

The stew features tender chicken pieces in a tomato-based sauce. It’s thickened with toasted pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds, giving it a unique nutty flavor.

Pepian gets its warmth from roasted chiles and aromatic spices like cumin and coriander. You can serve it with rice or warm tortillas for a hearty meal.

This dish shows off Guatemala’s mix of Mayan and Spanish influences. It’s perfect for special occasions or anytime you want a taste of Guatemalan comfort food.

3. Jocon – Green Chicken Stew

Jocon is a tasty Guatemalan dish that will brighten your meal. This green chicken stew gets its color from tomatillos, cilantro, and green chiles.

To make jocon, you simmer chicken in a flavorful broth. The sauce includes blended herbs and veggies. Toasted pumpkin and sesame seeds help thicken the stew.

You can serve jocon over rice for a filling meal. The chicken becomes tender as it cooks in the tangy green sauce.

This recipe is both easy to make and healthy to eat.

Try this classic Guatemalan stew for a new twist on chicken. Its unique flavor comes from the mix of herbs and seeds used in the sauce.

4. Tamales Colorados – Red Tamales

Tamales colorados are a beloved Guatemalan dish. These red tamales get their color from a savory sauce made with tomatoes and chili peppers.

To make them, you’ll need corn masa dough, pork or chicken, and various spices. The filling is cooked in the red sauce before being wrapped in banana leaves.

Tamales colorados are often served during holidays and special occasions. You can enjoy them with a sprinkle of lime juice and a side of bread.

Making these tamales takes time and effort, but the result is worth it. The rich flavors and tender meat make for a satisfying meal that’s deeply rooted in Guatemalan culture.

5. Hilachas – Beef in Tomato Sauce

Hilachas is a tasty Guatemalan dish featuring shredded beef in a rich tomato sauce. To make it, you’ll simmer beef until tender, then shred it.

Next, you’ll create a flavorful sauce with tomatoes, tomatillos, garlic, and onions. Some recipes also include bell peppers for extra depth.

You’ll combine the shredded beef with the sauce and let it simmer. This allows the flavors to meld together.

Hilachas is often served with rice or tortillas. It’s a hearty and satisfying meal that’s popular in Guatemalan homes and restaurants.

Try making hilachas for a taste of authentic Guatemalan cuisine. It’s a great way to use tougher cuts of beef and turn them into a delicious meal.

6. Rellenitos de Plátano – Stuffed Plantains

Rellenitos de plátano are a sweet Guatemalan treat you’ll love. These stuffed plantains combine ripe plantains with savory black beans for a unique flavor.

To make rellenitos, you’ll boil peeled plantains until tender. Mash them into a dough-like consistency. Then shape the plantain mixture around a filling of refried black beans mixed with sugar.

Form the stuffed plantains into oval shapes. Fry them in oil until golden brown. Some recipes call for dusting the finished rellenitos with sugar for extra sweetness.

This dish balances sweet and savory tastes. The soft plantain exterior contrasts nicely with the bean filling. Rellenitos make a great snack or dessert in Guatemalan cuisine.

7. Fiambre – Traditional Guatemalan Salad

Fiambre is a special cold salad Guatemalans enjoy on All Saints’ Day and the Day of the Dead. This unique dish combines many ingredients like meats, vegetables, and cheeses.

You’ll find cold cuts, chicken, beef, and sausages layered with pickled and cooked veggies. Crumbled cheese, olives, and hard-boiled eggs add more flavors and textures.

Making fiambre takes time and effort. You’ll need to start preparing at least a day ahead. The recipe can include over 50 ingredients, so planning is key.

This colorful salad is a true feast for the eyes and taste buds. It’s a great way to experience Guatemala’s rich culinary traditions.

8. Chiles Rellenos – Stuffed Peppers

Chiles rellenos are a tasty Guatemalan dish you’ll love. They’re stuffed peppers filled with beef, rice, and veggies.

To make them, start with large poblano peppers. Cut off the tops and remove the seeds.

Mix ground beef, cooked rice, chopped onion, garlic, cumin, and paprika for the filling. Then stuff the peppers with this mixture and fry them until golden brown.

Serve your chiles rellenos with a drizzle of tomato sauce on top.

This dish is best eaten right away while it’s hot and crispy. It’s a great way to enjoy authentic Guatemalan flavors at home.

9. Empanadas de Lentejas – Lentil Empanadas

Lentil empanadas are a tasty twist on traditional Guatemalan empanadas. These savory pastries are filled with a hearty lentil mixture.

To make them, cook lentils until tender. Then sauté onions, garlic, and peppers and mix with the lentils and spices like cumin and paprika.

Fill empanada dough with the lentil mixture. Seal the edges and bake until golden brown.

These empanadas are perfect for a filling snack or light meal. You can serve them warm or at room temperature.

10. Pupusas – Corn Tortillas with Filling

Pupusas are a tasty Guatemalan dish you’ll love. These corn tortillas are stuffed with yummy fillings and cooked until crispy.

To make pupusas, mix masa harina, warm water, and salt to form a dough. Shape the dough into small balls and flatten them.

Add your favorite filling to the center. Popular options include refried beans, cheese, or chicharrones (pork). Then fold the edges to seal the filling inside.

Cook your pupusas on a hot skillet for about 3 minutes per side. They’re ready when golden brown and crispy.

Serve your pupusas hot with curtido, a tangy cabbage slaw. You can also try different fillings like loroco flowers or rice flour instead of corn.

11. Ensalada Rusa – Guatemalan Potato Salad

Ensalada Rusa is a popular side dish in Guatemala. It’s a refreshing potato salad that’s perfect for any occasion.

To make this tasty salad, you’ll need potatoes, carrots, peas, and green beans. Dice these vegetables and cook them until tender.

Mix the cooked veggies with crisp, raw ones like celery and onions. For extra flavor, add some diced apples.

The dressing is creamy and tangy. You’ll combine mayonnaise with herbs and a bit of mustard. This gives the salad its signature taste.

Chill the salad before serving. It’s a cool, delicious addition to barbecues, holiday meals, and everyday dinners in Guatemala.

12. Garnachas – Corn Tortilla Tostadas

Garnachas are a tasty Guatemalan street food you’ll love. They’re crispy corn tortillas topped with savory beef and flavorful toppings.

To make garnachas, fry small corn tortillas until crisp. Then top them with seasoned ground beef cooked with vegetables and spices.

Add a tangy cabbage slaw and a mild tomato salsa on top of the meat. Sprinkle some crumbly cheese like cotija for extra flavor.

Garnachas are perfect for parties or as a quick snack. The mix of textures and flavors makes each bite exciting.

Try making these crispy tostadas at home for a taste of Guatemalan cuisine.

13. Tostadas de Guacamole – Guacamoles on Tostadas

Tostadas de Guacamole is a tasty Guatemalan snack. You start with crispy tostadas as the base. To make them, fry corn tortillas until golden brown.

Next, you prepare the guacamole. Mash ripe avocados and mix with diced onion, garlic, and lime juice. Add salt to taste. Some recipes include diced tomatoes or jalapeños for extra flavor.

Spread the guacamole on top of the tostadas. You can add extra toppings like shredded lettuce, cheese, or salsa if you like.

This dish is perfect for a quick bite or as an appetizer for gatherings.

14. Tapado – Seafood Soup with Coconut Milk

Tapado is a tasty Guatemalan seafood soup that will transport your taste buds to the Caribbean coast. This hearty dish features a mix of fresh fish, shrimp, and other seafood in a rich coconut milk broth.

To make tapado, you’ll need ingredients like coconut milk, plantains, tomatoes, and onions. The soup often includes sweet potatoes and bell peppers for added flavor and texture.

The preparation is simple. Start by sautéing onions and garlic in oil. Then add coconut milk, vegetables, and seafood. Let it simmer until the flavors meld together.

Tapado showcases the Garifuna influence on Guatemalan cuisine. It’s a perfect meal for seafood lovers looking to try something new and exciting.

15. Atol de Elote – Sweet Corn Drink

Atol de Elote is a warm, comforting Guatemalan drink made from fresh corn. You’ll love this sweet and creamy beverage, especially on chilly days.

To make it, blend corn kernels with milk until smooth. Then cook the mixture in a pot with sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir often until it thickens.

You can add vanilla extract for extra flavor. Some people like to sprinkle cinnamon on top before serving.

This drink is popular at markets and festivals in Guatemala. You can enjoy it as a snack or dessert. It’s easy to make at home too.

16. Tamalitos de Chipilín – Herb Tamale

Tamalitos de Chipilín are small Guatemalan tamales that showcase the country’s Mayan roots. These tasty bites feature chipilín, a leafy herb native to Central America.

To make them, you’ll mix masa harina (corn flour) with lard, salt, and broth to form a smooth dough. Stir in some cheese and chopped chipilín leaves for extra flavor.

Then wrap small portions of the dough in corn husks or banana leaves and steam them for about an hour until cooked through.

Serve these tamales warm as a snack or side dish. They’re a great way to try traditional Guatemalan flavors at home.

Historical Influences

Mayan culture forms the foundation of Guatemalan cuisine. The ancient Maya used ingredients like corn, beans, and chilies that remain staples today.

When the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they brought new foods and cooking methods. This mix created dishes like tamales, which combine Mayan corn dough with Spanish-introduced meats.

African influences also shaped Guatemalan food. Enslaved Africans brought ingredients like plantains and coconuts. These became part of coastal dishes.

Over time, these various influences merged to form modern Guatemalan cuisine.

Traditional Ingredients

Corn is the most important ingredient in Guatemalan cooking. You’ll find it in many forms, from tortillas to drinks like atol.

Beans, especially black beans, are another key staple. They’re often served with rice or in soups.

Chilies add flavor and heat to many dishes. Common varieties include jalapeños and chipotles.

Tropical fruits like mangoes and papayas are used in both sweet and savory recipes. Herbs like cilantro and epazote give Guatemalan food its distinct taste.

Meat plays a big role too. Chicken, beef, and pork are popular in stews and grilled dishes. In coastal areas, you’ll find lots of seafood.

These ingredients come together to create Guatemala’s unique and tasty cuisine.

Cooking Techniques in Guatemalan Food

Guatemalan cuisine relies on time-honored methods and local ingredients to create its distinct flavors. The cooking techniques blend Mayan traditions with Spanish influences.

Unique Cooking Methods

Guatemalan cooks often use clay pots called “ollas” to slow-cook stews and soups. This method helps flavors develop deeply.

Many dishes are cooked over wood fires, adding a smoky taste.

You’ll find corn tortillas made fresh daily on a comal, a flat griddle. Meats are often grilled or roasted to bring out their natural flavors.

Tamales are steamed in banana leaves or corn husks. This wrapping keeps the filling moist and adds a subtle flavor.

Use of Native Herbs and Spices

Guatemalan food gets its zest from local herbs and spices. Cilantro and epazote add fresh, bright notes to many dishes.

Chiles like guaque and cobanero bring heat and depth. Annatto seeds give a red color and nutty taste to foods.

Oregano, thyme, and bay leaves are common in soups and stews. Cinnamon and allspice add warmth to both sweet and savory recipes.

You’ll taste these spices in popular dishes like pepián, a spicy meat stew, and chiles rellenos, stuffed peppers in tomato sauce.