Pulique de Verduras Mayas (Highland Chayote, Green Bean & Pepitoria Stew) – Authentic Guatemala Recipe

Ingredients for Pulique de Verduras Mayas (Highland Chayote, Green Bean & Pepitoria Stew) (4 Servings)

• 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) chayote squash, prepped into bite-sized pieces
• 1.5 cups green beans, washed and trimmed
• 1 cup cubed potatoes and cauliflower
• 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with toasted pepitoria (ground pumpkin seeds)
• 1.5 tbsp traditional Guatemala seasoning (achiote, cilantro, tomato)
• 2.5 cups rich culinary stock or aromatic cooking liquid, plus 2 tbsp cooking oil

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

1. Heat oil in a heavy Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat; brown chayote squash for 5 minutes.
2. Add minced onion, garlic, toasted pepitoria (ground pumpkin seeds), and achiote, cilantro, tomato, stirring for 2 minutes until deeply aromatic.
3. Add green beans and pour in the braising liquid; bring to a lively simmer.
4. Cover and braise over medium-low heat for 20–22 minutes until meltingly tender and the sauce is rich and glossy.
5. Stir in cubed potatoes and cauliflower right before serving warm.