Embark on a flavorful expedition through the heart of Guatemala with the iconic Jocon. This traditional dish, rooted in Mayan heritage and passed down through generations, encapsulates the rich tapestry of Guatemalan cuisine.

Tender chicken or pork, enveloped in a verdant sauce infused with the essence of cilantro, tomatillos, and aromatic spices, invites you to savor every bite. Served alongside fluffy rice or warm tortillas, Guatemala Jocon is a celebration of community, culture, and the artistry of Central American cooking. Delve into the tantalizing flavors of Guatemala Jocon and experience a symphony of taste that echoes through centuries of culinary tradition.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs (about 1 kg) chicken pieces (bone-in, skin-on thighs or drumsticks)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 tomatillos, husked and rinsed
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped (optional, for heat)
• Juice of 1 lime
• Cooked rice or tortillas, for serving

Instructions:

1- Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper.

2- In a blender or food processor, combine the tomatillos, onion, garlic, cilantro, mint, parsley, and jalapeño pepper (if using). Blend until smooth.

3- In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and brown them on all sides, about 5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside.

4- In the same pot, add the blended green sauce. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes to soften the vegetables and release their flavors.

5- Return the chicken pieces to the pot. Add the chicken broth, ground cumin, dried oregano, and bay leaf. Bring to a simmer.

6- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the stew simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the chicken is tender and cooked through.

7- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pot and set aside. If the sauce is too thin, you can simmer it uncovered for a few more minutes to thicken it slightly.

8- Return the chicken to the pot. Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.

9- Serve the Guatemala Jocon hot, with cooked rice or warm tortillas on the side.

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of Guatemala with this delicious chicken stew cooked in a green sauce made from tomatillos, cilantro, and other aromatic herbs!

Nutritional Values :

Chicken:

Chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on):Calories: 210 per 3 oz (85g) serving

• Protein: 19g
• Fat: 14g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

Chicken drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on):Calories: 120 per 3 oz (85g) serving

• Protein: 16g
• Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle growth and repair.
• Rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as niacin, selenium, and phosphorus, which support overall health and metabolism.

Tomatillos (per 1 medium tomatillo):

• Calories: 11
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits

• High in vitamin C, which supports the immune system and promotes skin health.
• Good source of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight.

Onion (per 1 medium onion):

• Calories: 44
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g

benefits

• Contains antioxidants such as quercetin, which may reduce inflammation and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
• Provides prebiotic fiber, which nourishes beneficial gut bacteria and supports digestive health.

Garlic (per clove):

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g

benefits

• Known for its antibacterial and antiviral properties, garlic may help boost the immune system and fight infections.
• Contains sulfur compounds that may have protective effects against cardiovascular diseases.

Cilantro (per 1/4 cup chopped):

• Calories: 1
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits

• Rich in antioxidants and phytonutrients, cilantro may help reduce inflammation and promote detoxification.
• Contains vitamins A and K, which are important for vision health and bone strength, respectively.

Mint (per 1/4 cup chopped):

• Calories: 2
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits

• Known for its soothing properties, mint may help relieve digestive discomfort and alleviate symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
• Contains menthol, which has a cooling effect and may help alleviate headaches and nausea.

Parsley (per 1/4 cup chopped):

• Calories: 1
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g

benefits

• High in vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting and bone health.
• Contains compounds like apigenin, which may have anticancer properties and promote heart health.

Jalapeño pepper (per 1 pepper):

• Calories: 4
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Capsaicin, the compound responsible for the pepper's heat, may help boost metabolism and aid in weight loss.
• Contains vitamin C and antioxidants that support immune function and reduce inflammation.

Lime juice (per 1 lime):

• Calories: 11
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Rich in vitamin C, lime juice supports immune health and helps the body absorb iron from plant-based foods.
• Contains flavonoids, which have antioxidant properties and may protect against chronic diseases.

These values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as portion size and specific ingredients used.