Pulique is a Guatemalan broth of meat and vegetables in a tomato and bell pepper sauce, originally from the country’s central region and very popular in Chimaltenango.
It’s a simple yet flavorful stew, milder than other Guatemalan stews, ideal for everyday meals.
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Guatemalan Pulique Stew
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Guatemalan
Ingredients
- 1 kg of beef or chicken, in pieces (about 2.2 lb)
- 4 of tomatoes, roasted
- 2 of bell peppers, seeded
- 1 of onion, roasted
- 3 cloves of garlic, roasted
- 3 of potatoes, in pieces
- 2 of chayote squash, in pieces
- 2 of carrots, in pieces
- 1 cup of green beans
- 1 sprig of cilantro
- to taste of salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the meat, boil the meat in salted water until tender, reserving the broth.
- Make the sauce, blend the roasted tomatoes, bell peppers, onion, and garlic with a little broth until you get a smooth sauce.
- Cook the stew, pour the blended sauce into the pot with the meat and broth, and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes.
- Add the vegetables, add the potatoes, chayote, carrot, and green beans, and cook until tender.
- Add aromatics, add the cilantro toward the end of cooking.
- Adjust seasoning, correct the salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve, serve hot, with white rice and tortillas.
Tips for getting it right
- Pulique has a milder flavor than other Guatemalan stews, ideal for those who prefer less spiced dishes.
- Roasting the vegetables before blending gives the sauce a deeper flavor.
- It can be made with either beef or chicken, depending on family preference.
- The cilantro is added at the end to preserve its fresh aroma.
Traditional variations
- It’s a very popular stew in the Chimaltenango region and Guatemala’s central highlands.
- Some families add more bell pepper for a spicier touch.
How to serve
Pulique is served hot, in a deep bowl, with white rice and corn tortillas.
It’s a simple, everyday dish of Guatemalan cuisine, valued for its mild, comforting flavor.
Recommended sides
- White rice
- Corn tortillas
Did you know?
Pulique is one of the mildest-flavored Guatemalan stews, unlike others such as pepián or kak’ik.
It’s especially popular in the Chimaltenango region, in Guatemala’s central highlands.
Frequently Asked Questions
It's a Guatemalan broth of meat and vegetables in a tomato and bell pepper sauce, originally from the country's central region.
Pulique has a milder, less spiced flavor than stews like pepián or kak'ik.
Yes, pulique is made interchangeably with beef or chicken, depending on family preference.
It's especially popular in Chimaltenango and Guatemala's central highlands.