Guatemalan cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors and ingredients that reflect the country’s history and culture.

From hearty stews to fresh salads, the food of Guatemala combines native Mayan traditions with Spanish influences.

You’ll find a blend of meats, vegetables, spices, and tropical fruits in many popular Guatemalan dishes.

These 15 recipes will let you bring authentic Guatemalan tastes into your own kitchen. You’ll learn how to make favorites like tender beef cocido, creamy seafood tapado, and zesty guacamole with a local twist.

Whether you’re new to Guatemalan cooking or looking to expand your recipe collection, these dishes offer a tasty glimpse into this Central American country’s culinary heritage.

1. Pepian Stew

Pepian is a classic Guatemalan dish you’ll love. This hearty stew combines chicken with a rich, flavorful sauce.

To make pepian, cook chicken in water with vegetables like onions, carrots, and potatoes.

Set aside the broth for later use.

The key to pepian’s unique taste is its sauce. Toast seeds like pumpkin and sesame, along with spices such as cinnamon and black pepper.

Blend these with roasted tomatoes and tomatillos.

Add the blended mixture to your chicken and simmer. The result is a thick, savory stew with complex flavors. Serve pepian with rice or tortillas for a satisfying meal.

2. Kak’ik Soup

Kak’ik is a hearty Guatemalan turkey soup. You can make it by simmering turkey pieces in broth with garlic, cilantro, and salt.

While the turkey cooks, char some vegetables like tomatoes, tomatillos, onions, and peppers.

Blend these charred veggies to create a flavorful sauce.

Once the turkey is tender, remove it from the broth. Add the blended sauce to the broth and simmer. Return the turkey to the pot before serving.

This comforting soup is often enjoyed with rice or tamales. It’s a great way to use leftover turkey and experience authentic Guatemalan flavors.

3. Jocon Chicken

Jocon chicken is a tasty Guatemalan stew you’ll love. It features tender chicken in a green sauce made from tomatillos and cilantro.

To make jocon, you’ll simmer chicken in broth until cooked. Then blend tomatillos, cilantro, onion, and garlic to create the sauce.

For extra flavor and texture, toast some pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds. Add these to the sauce along with a bit of corn tortilla to thicken it.

Combine the chicken and green sauce in a pot. Let it simmer until the flavors meld and the sauce thickens.

You can add green beans or chayote for more veggies if you like.

Serve your jocon chicken hot with rice or tortillas on the side. It’s a comforting meal that brings Guatemalan flavors to your table.

4. Tapado

Tapado is a delicious Guatemalan seafood soup that will transport you to the Caribbean coast. This hearty dish combines various seafood with coconut milk and vegetables.

To make tapado, you’ll start by sautéing onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Then add water, achiote, and coconut milk to create a flavorful broth.

Next, add plantains, green bananas, and yucca. Let these cook for about 10 minutes before adding your choice of seafood. Popular options include shrimp, lobster, and white fish.

Simmer everything together for 5-10 minutes until the seafood is cooked and the vegetables are tender. The result is a rich, creamy soup with a perfect balance of flavors.

5. Hilachas

Hilachas is a tasty Guatemalan shredded beef stew. You’ll love its rich tomato-based sauce and tender meat.

To make hilachas, you cook beef until it’s easily shredded. Then you simmer it in a flavorful sauce with potatoes and other vegetables.

The sauce often includes tomatoes, tomatillos, and spices. Some cooks add green beans, carrots, or chayote squash for extra flavor and texture.

You can prepare hilachas in a slow cooker or pressure cooker for convenience. Serve it with rice or tortillas for a filling meal.

6. Fiambre

Fiambre is a special Guatemalan dish eaten on All Saints’ Day and the Day of the Dead. It’s a cold salad with lots of ingredients mixed together.

You’ll find meats, cheeses, and vegetables in fiambre. Some recipes have over 50 ingredients! It takes time to make, so people start preparing it a day ahead.

There are different types of fiambre. Red fiambre has beets, which give it a pink color. White fiambre doesn’t use beets. Green fiambre is vegetarian.

You can serve fiambre mixed together or with ingredients separate. It’s a unique dish that brings families together to honor loved ones who have passed away.

7. Tamales

Tamales are a beloved Guatemalan dish. You’ll find various types, including tamales colorados and tamales negros.

To make tamales, you’ll need masa (corn dough), meat, and flavorful sauce. Wrap the filling in banana leaves or corn husks.

For tamales colorados, use a tomato-based sauce. Tamales negros feature a sweet mole sauce. Both are delicious options.

Steam the wrapped tamales until the dough is firm. This process can take a few hours.

Guatemalans often enjoy tamales during holidays and special occasions. You can serve them as a main course or snack.

8. Rellenitos

Rellenitos are a beloved Guatemalan dessert made from ripe plantains and black beans. To make them, you’ll need to boil plantains until soft, then mash them into a dough.

For the filling, mix cooked black beans with sugar and spices like cinnamon and cloves.

Shape the plantain dough into small discs, add a spoonful of the bean mixture, and wrap the dough around it.

Fry these stuffed plantain balls until golden brown and crispy. The result is a sweet treat with a crispy outside and a creamy, flavorful inside.

Rellenitos are often served as a snack or dessert. They’re a tasty way to experience the unique flavors of Guatemalan cuisine.

9. Shucos

Shucos are Guatemala’s unique take on hot dogs. You’ll find these tasty street foods all over the country, especially in Guatemala City.

To make shucos at home, start with a toasted bun. Add a grilled sausage or hot dog, then pile on toppings. Popular choices include guacamole, mustard, mayo, and cabbage.

For extra flavor, try adding chorizo or bacon. Some vendors even offer ham or steak as options. The result is a messy but delicious sandwich that’s perfect for a quick meal.

Shucos are often enjoyed late at night after parties or events. You can easily customize them to suit your taste preferences.

10. Atol de Elote

Atol de Elote is a warm, sweet Guatemalan drink made from corn. You can easily make this comforting beverage at home.

Start by blending corn kernels with water until smooth. Pour the mixture into a pot and add milk, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.

Cook the mixture over medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, stirring often. The drink should thicken slightly as it cooks.

You can adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking. Some people add vanilla for extra flavor.

Serve Atol de Elote hot in mugs. It’s perfect for chilly days or as a soothing bedtime drink.

11. Chuchitos

Chuchitos are tasty Guatemalan corn dough packets filled with shredded chicken. They’re wrapped in corn husks or banana leaves and steamed until done.

To make chuchitos, you’ll mix corn flour with water and lard to form the dough. The filling combines chicken, tomatoes, onions, and spices.

You shape the dough into small packets around the filling. Then wrap each one tightly in a husk or leaf.

Steam the packets for about an hour until fully cooked.

Chuchitos are often served as street food or at special events. You can top them with tomato sauce and sprinkle queso fresco on top for extra flavor.

12. Caldos de Res

Caldos de res is a hearty Guatemalan beef soup that’s perfect for cold days. You’ll love this flavorful and filling dish.

To make caldos de res, start with beef chunks and bones. Add them to a large pot with water and bring to a boil.

Next, toss in diced vegetables like carrots, potatoes, and corn on the cob. Don’t forget to include güisquil (chayote squash) for an authentic touch.

Let everything simmer until the beef is tender and the veggies are cooked through. The broth will become rich and flavorful.

Serve your caldos de res hot with rice, sliced avocado, and lemon wedges on the side. It’s a comforting meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

13. Garnachas

Garnachas are tasty Guatemalan snacks you’ll love to make at home. These small corn tortillas are topped with seasoned ground beef and a variety of fresh ingredients.

To make garnachas, start by cooking small, thick corn tortillas until crispy. Top them with a spoonful of cooked ground beef seasoned with garlic, onion, and tomato.

Add shredded cabbage, diced tomatoes, and crumbled queso fresco cheese on top. Finish with a drizzle of tomato sauce or salsa for extra flavor.

Garnachas are perfect for parties or as a quick meal. You can customize the toppings to your liking, making them a versatile and fun dish to prepare.

14. Pan de Banano

Pan de Banano is a tasty Guatemalan banana bread. It’s moist on the inside with a crispy exterior. You’ll love this sweet treat with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack.

To make Pan de Banano, you’ll need ripe bananas, flour, sugar, butter, eggs, and baking powder.

Mash the bananas and mix them with the other ingredients. Add some cinnamon and lemon juice for extra flavor.

Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake at 350°F. The bread is done when it’s golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. Let it cool before slicing.

You can store Pan de Banano at room temperature for a few days. It’s great plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar on top.

15. Dobladas

Dobladas are a tasty Guatemalan snack you’ll love. They’re made with corn tortillas folded in half and stuffed with cheese.

To make dobladas, mix corn flour, water, and salt to form a dough. Shape the dough into small balls and flatten them into tortillas.

Fill each tortilla with a mixture of cheese, onion, and black pepper. Fold the tortilla in half to create a half-moon shape.

Fry the dobladas in oil until golden and crispy. Serve them hot with salsa or sour cream for dipping.

Dobladas are perfect for parties or as a quick snack. You can also try variations with potato or chicken fillings.

Cultural Significance of Guatemalan Cuisine

Guatemalan cuisine reflects the country’s rich history and diverse cultural influences. It blends ancient Mayan traditions with Spanish colonial flavors, creating unique dishes that hold deep meaning for Guatemalans.

Influence of Mayan Traditions

Mayan culture shapes many aspects of Guatemalan cooking. Corn is a sacred ingredient, used in tortillas and tamales. These foods connect people to their ancestors.

You’ll find beans, squash, and chili peppers in many recipes. These were staple crops for the Maya. Today, they’re still essential in Guatemalan kitchens.

Cooking methods like stone grinding and steam cooking come from Mayan times. These techniques preserve flavors and nutrients.

Wild herbs and plants add depth to dishes. They’re gathered using knowledge passed down through generations.

Festive Foods and Celebrations

Food plays a big role in Guatemalan festivals and holidays. Special dishes mark important events throughout the year.

For Christmas, you might enjoy tamales wrapped in banana leaves. These take days to prepare and bring families together.

During Holy Week, you’ll find sweet bread called pan de Semana Santa. It’s shaped like animals or religious symbols.

Birthday celebrations often include a rice dish called arroz con leche. It’s creamy, sweet, and sprinkled with cinnamon.

For Day of the Dead, families make fiambre. This cold salad has over 50 ingredients. It honors loved ones who have passed away.

Key Ingredients in Guatemalan Cooking

Guatemalan cuisine relies on a variety of local ingredients that give dishes their unique flavors and textures. These ingredients reflect the country’s diverse geography and cultural influences.

Common Spices and Herbs

Guatemalan cooking uses many flavorful spices and herbs. Cilantro adds a fresh, citrusy taste to many dishes. You’ll find it in soups, stews, and salsas. Oregano is another common herb that brings an earthy flavor.

Chili peppers like jalapeños and chipotle give food a spicy kick. Cumin and annatto seeds add warmth and color to recipes. Garlic and onions form the base of many Guatemalan dishes.

Cinnamon and allspice show up in both sweet and savory foods. These spices reflect Spanish influences on Guatemalan cuisine.

Traditional Produce and Grains

Corn is a staple in Guatemalan cooking. You’ll see it in many forms like tortillas, tamales, and drinks.

Beans, especially black beans, are used in countless recipes.

Plantains add sweetness to both main dishes and desserts. Tomatoes and tomatillos give sauces and stews their tangy flavor.

Squash and chayote are popular vegetables in soups and stews.

Avocados are eaten on their own or used to make guacamole. Rice is a common side dish.

Potatoes and sweet potatoes often appear in hearty meals.

Tropical fruits like mangoes and papayas are used in drinks and desserts. These fresh ingredients showcase Guatemala’s rich agricultural heritage.