Toasted Pepian Pumpkin Seed Sauce with Roasted Pork Shoulder

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender roasted pork shoulder served with a thick, nutty pumpkin seed sauce simmered with traditional Guatemalan spices. This latin american-inspired pork ready in about 225 minutes blends pork shoulder roast, raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), medium, chopped white onion into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 6, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 30 min Cook: 195 min Serves 6 Latin American cuisine 480 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. Season 3 lbs pork shoulder roast with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place in a roasting pan and roast uncovered for 3 hours until fork-tender.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, toast 1 cup raw pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 4-5 minutes until golden and fragrant. Remove and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, toast 3 dried mulato chilies and 2 dried pasilla chilies for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, then soak in hot water for 15 minutes to soften.
  4. Step 4: In a blender, combine toasted pumpkin seeds, soaked chilies with their water, 1 medium chopped white onion, 3 garlic cloves, 1 large chopped tomato, 1 cinnamon stick, 4 cloves, and 2 cups chicken broth. Blend until smooth.
  5. Step 5: Heat 4 tbsp vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Pour the blended sauce into the pan and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thickened. Season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  6. Step 6: Slice the roasted pork and ladle the pepian pumpkin seed sauce generously over the top before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Toasted Pepian Pumpkin Seed Sauce with Roasted Pork Shoulder take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (30 min prep + 195 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Toasted Pepian Pumpkin Seed Sauce with Roasted Pork Shoulder?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Toasted Pepian Pumpkin Seed Sauce with Roasted Pork Shoulder?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Toasted Pepian Pumpkin Seed Sauce with Roasted Pork Shoulder for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Toasted Pepian Pumpkin Seed Sauce with Roasted Pork Shoulder?

Latin American pork like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes