This rustic chicken stew is seasoned with a carefully toasted mix of seeds and spices, which are ground into a coarse paste with roasted tomatoes and tomatillos. Stirred into the stew toward the end of the cooking process, the paste both thickens and seasons this warming dish.
2 pounds chicken drumsticks
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
2 garlic heads, divided
3 quarts water
1 large bunch fresh cilantro
1 bunch fresh spearmint
1 small bunch scallions, green parts cut into 3-inch pieces
2 medium-size white onions, ends trimmed, peeled, and cut in half crosswise, divided
1 tablespoon black peppercorns, divided
1 tablespoon allspice, divided
1 (3-inch) Ceylon cinnamon stick, broken into small pieces
1/4 cup raw pepitas
2 tablespoons white sesame seeds
1 pound small plum tomatoes, cored
1/2 pound fresh tomatillos, husks removed
1 jarred roasted red bell pepper, coarsely chopped (about 1/2 cup)
2 teaspoons achiote paste
Chopped fresh cilantro and mint, for garnish
Corn tortillas, for serving
cooked long-grain white rice
2 tablespoons pequín chiles or cobanero chiles chiles, about 1/4 ounce
1/2 cup cacao nibs
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon Pimentón de la Vera
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