Indulge in the culinary treasures of Guatemala with Kak'ik, a traditional Mayan dish that embodies the country's vibrant culture and rich history. Kak'ik, a hearty turkey soup infused with a tantalizing blend of spices, including cilantro, tomatoes, and achiote, offers a sensory journey through Guatemala's diverse landscapes and indigenous heritage. Experience the warmth of Central American hospitality as you immerse yourself in the aromas and flavors of Kak'ik, a dish revered for its depth and complexity. Join us on a culinary adventure to uncover the secrets behind Guatemala's beloved Kak'ik, where every spoonful tells a story of tradition, community, and culinary excellence.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (about 8-10 pounds), cut into pieces
• 10 cups water
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons achiote paste
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• Salt to taste
• 2-3 whole dried guaque chilies (optional, for added heat)
• 4-6 whole allspice berries (optional, for added flavor)
• Cooked rice for serving
• Lime wedges for serving

Instructions:

1- In a large pot, bring the water to a boil. Add the turkey pieces and reduce heat to simmer. Cook the turkey until it is tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours. Skim off any foam or impurities that rise to the surface.

2- While the turkey is cooking, prepare the spice mixture. In a small bowl, mix together the achiote paste, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground black pepper, and ground cloves. Set aside.

3- In a separate skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes, diced onion, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are soft and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.

4- Once the turkey is tender, add the spice mixture, cooked vegetables, chopped cilantro, whole dried guaque chilies (if using), and whole allspice berries (if using) to the pot. Stir well to combine.

5- Simmer the soup for an additional 30-45 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.

6- Serve the Kak'ik hot over cooked rice. Garnish each serving with a squeeze of fresh lime juice for added brightness.

Enjoy your traditional Mayan Kak'ik, a delicious and hearty soup that captures the essence of Guatemala's culinary heritage!

Nutritional Values :

Turkey:

• Turkey breast (100g):Calories: 135
• Protein: 29g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• High in protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Low in fat compared to other meats, making it a lean protein source.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as B vitamins, zinc, and selenium, which support overall health.

Achiote Paste (1 tablespoon):

• Calories: 20
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits

• Contains annatto, a natural food coloring and antioxidant.
• May have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Adds a distinct flavor and color to dishes

Tomatoes (1 medium tomato):

• Calories: 22
• Protein: 1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits

• Excellent source of vitamin C, which supports immune function and collagen production.
• Rich in antioxidants like lycopene, which may help reduce the risk of certain chronic diseases.
• Low in calories and high in water content, making them a hydrating and nutritious ingredient.

Onion (1 medium onion):

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

benefits

• Good source of vitamin C and fiber, which promote digestive health and immune function.
• Contains antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.
• Adds flavor and depth to dishes with minimal calories.

Garlic (1 clove):

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

benefits

• Contains compounds with potent medicinal properties, including allicin, which may help boost immune function and reduce the risk of illness.
• May have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effects.
• Can help improve cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of heart disease.

Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons):

• Calories: 240
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits

• Provides essential fatty acids, such as omega-3 and omega-6, which are important for brain function and hormone production.
• Contains vitamin E, an antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage.
• Adds moisture and richness to dishes when used in moderation.

Rice (1 cup cooked):

• Calories: 205
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 1g

benefits

• Good source of carbohydrates, the body's primary source of energy.
• Contains small amounts of protein and fiber, which promote satiety and digestive health.
• Low in fat and cholesterol, making it a healthy staple food in many diets.

Please note that these values are approximate and can vary based on factors such as the specific ingredients used and cooking methods. It's always a good idea to refer to nutritional labels on product packaging for the most accurate information.