Pipian: recipe for the delicious Mexican sauce and 8 options to enjoy it

Welcome to Paulina Cocina! Today we're going to enjoy a Mexican dish that's a delight to the palate: Pipián . It's a thick sauce , somewhat similar to mole, that contains seeds, has a spicy kick, and can be used in a variety of recipes.

In this article, we'll tell you what this sauce is, which can come in different colors, ranging from red to green, its ingredients, what variations exist, what dishes we can enjoy it with, and, as always, a Mexican Pipián recipe to make at home.

About the Pipián

Pipián is a dense and exquisite sauce prepared with a base of seeds , usually pumpkin or sesame, and accompanied with herbs and spices that give it an unparalleled flavor .

• It is generally very common to find Pipián as an accompaniment to meats, tamales, enchiladas and other traditional Mexican dishes.

It is known for its robust flavor and dense texture , being an important part of the country's rich gastronomy, where each region adds its unique touch to this recipe.

5 Characteristics of Mexican Pipián

• Variety of textures: Mexican Pipián is known for its unique blend of textures, thanks to the combination of ground seeds and other ingredients that provide different sensations to the palate.

• Explosion of colors: The color can vary from green to red, depending on the ingredients used.

• Versatility in the kitchen: Not only is it a perfect accompaniment to meats, but it can also be a star in vegetarian dishes.

• Cultural heritage: Each family has its own recipe , passed down from generation to generation.
• Balance of flavors: This sauce is a perfect balance of spicy, sweet, and salty.

What ingredients does Pipián contain?

Pipián is a sauce with a rich, dense base, composed primarily of seeds , chilies, herbs, and spices . Some of the typical ingredients often found in its preparation are:

• Seeds: Seeds are the heart of the sauce. The most common are pumpkin seeds or sesame seeds. However, other seeds, or even nuts, can also be used. The seeds are roasted and ground to create the base of the sauce, providing a thick texture and a distinctive flavor.
• Chiles: Dried chiles, such as guajillo, ancho, pasilla, and mulato chiles, are used to give the sauce its characteristic flavor and heat. The choice of chiles affects the color and heat level of the sauce.
• Garlic: Garlic adds an aromatic touch and subtle flavor to the sauce. It's often added to the roasting and grinding process along with the seeds and chilies.

• Aromatic herbs: These may include cilantro, epazote, or parsley, depending on the regional variety. These herbs add freshness and complexity to the dish.
• Spices: Cumin, black pepper or other spices may be added to enhance and balance the flavors.
• Broth or water: Used to achieve the desired sauce consistency. Chicken broth is the most common, but water can also be used.

Difference between Mole and Pipián

Although mole and pipián share certain similarities in their preparation and are commonly found in Mexican cuisine, there are differences in terms of ingredients, flavors, and traditions. 

• Sauce base: The base of mole typically includes dried chilies, chocolate, almonds, peanuts, sesame seeds, and other ingredients. Pipián, on the other hand, has a seed-centered base, and although it can also include chilies, herbs, and spices, the presence of seeds is more prominent in its texture and flavor.
• Flavor Profile: Mole is known for its complexity of flavors, ranging from sweet to spicy, with a hint of bitterness from the chocolate. Pipián, in comparison, tends to have a more earthy, robust, and less sweet flavor profile.
• Regions of origin: Mole is especially associated with the state of Puebla, although there are regional variations. The sauce we're referring to here is popular in various regions of Mexico, such as Oaxaca and Guerrero, although it also has variations in other parts of the country.

What types of Pipián exist?

There are several variants of Mexican Pipián , each with its own regional interpretation. From green to red, each type has unique hues that reflect the diversity of Mexican geography and culture.

• Red: It is distinguished by its vibrant color, achieved mainly by adding dried red chilies that give it not only the characteristic tone, but also a slightly spicy and deep flavor.
• Green: This variant uses green chiles, such as jalapeño or serrano, which provide a fresh flavor and a deep green color. It tends to have a spicier and more herbaceous profile compared to the red variety.
• Pumpkin seeds: These seeds, toasted and ground, create a thick sauce with a distinctive nutty flavor.
• Sesame: This recipe offers a more pronounced and characteristic flavor, with a slightly softer texture.
• Herbs: Some variants incorporate a wide range of fresh herbs, such as cilantro, parsley, epazote, adding a unique aroma and freshness to the sauce.
• From other seeds: Other seeds such as sunflower seeds, or nuts such as walnuts, can be used, adding a different dimension of flavor and texture.

How to enjoy Pipián: 8 options

• Grilled meats: Pipián sauce is a perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, whether it be grilled chicken , pork or beef.
• Enchiladas: Tossing green enchiladas with this sauce adds a unique twist to the Mexican classic.
• Tamales: Mexican Pipián is a delicious filling for a good tamale dough , providing a contrast of flavors and textures that elevates this traditional recipe.
• Fish: Although less common, it can also be an exceptional accompaniment to fish dishes, such as a zarandeado fish .
• Roasted Vegetables: For vegetarian options, baked or roasted vegetables combined with sauce are a tasty and nutritious choice.
• Rice or corn tamales: Serving the salsa over white rice or corn tamales results in a comforting and delicious combination.
• Chiles rellenos: Chiles can be stuffed with meat, cheese, or beans, then covered with sauce before baking.
• Soups and stews: A spoonful of this sauce is added at the end of cooking to enhance the flavors.

Tips for preparing Pipián

Follow on Instagram ( here )
and on YouTube that I upload new recipes every week ( click here )

Pipián Recipe 

Yields: 4 portions

Preparation time: 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 cup pumpkin seeds
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder or dried
• 2 medium tomatoes, roasted
• 2 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 1 sprig of fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon of cumin powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt to taste
• 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
• Olive oil for frying

How to make Pipián step by step

1. In a pan over medium heat, toast the pumpkin seeds until golden brown. Stir constantly to prevent burning. 
2. Roast the tomatoes on a grill or in the oven until the skin is charred. Peel and set aside. 
3. In a blender, combine the toasted pumpkin seeds, chili, roasted tomatoes, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and salt and pepper. Start by adding 1.5 cups of chicken broth, adjusting as needed to achieve a smooth, slightly thickened consistency.
4. Then, in a saucepan with a little olive oil over medium heat, pour the mixture from the blender. Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring constantly, for about 10-15 minutes until it thickens properly.
5. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed, or add a touch more chili powder if you're looking for a spicier flavor.
6. Serve Pipián hot as a side dish for meats, tamales, or enchiladas. Garnish with cilantro leaves.