Pipian

Pipian is a rich, traditional Mexican sauce that exemplifies the complexity of pre-Hispanic cuisine. Made from ground pumpkin or squash seeds (pepitas), this velvety sauce incorporates various chiles, spices, and sometimes nuts or seeds like sesame or peanuts. The ingredients are toasted, ground into a paste, and simmered with broth until thickened to a smooth consistency. Pipian can range from vibrant green (pipian verde) to deep red (pipian rojo), depending on the chiles used. Commonly served over poultry or pork, this sauce offers a nutty, earthy flavor profile with subtle heat that showcases Mexico's remarkable ability to balance complex flavors into harmonious dishes.