Kak'ik (Traditional Mayan Turkey Soup)

• Prep time: 20 mins

• Cook time: 1 hour

• Total time: 1 hour 20 mins

• Servings: 6

• Country of Origin: Guatemala

Description

• Kak'ik is a ancestral Q'eqchi' Maya turkey soup originating from the Alta Verapaz region of Guatemala.

• Features a vibrant red broth spiced with cobanero chile, achiote, and fresh herbs like samat (long coriander).

Presentation

• Served in wide clay bowls with a large piece of bone-in turkey prominently displayed in the center.

• Accompanied by white rice, tamales de masa (pochitos), and extra crushed cobanero chile on the side.

Ingredients

• 1.2 kg bone-in turkey drumsticks or thighs, cut into large pieces

• 6 cups water or turkey stock

• 4 tomatoes

• 4 miltomates (tomatillos)

• 1 red bell pepper

• 1 large onion

• 4 cloves garlic

• 1 tbsp achiote paste

• 1/2 tsp ground Cobán chile (cobanero)

• 1/2 cup fresh mint leaves

• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro (or samat leaves)

• 1 tsp salt

Directions

• Simmer turkey pieces in water with salt in a large stockpot for 30 minutes, skimming off foam.

• Roast tomatoes, tomatillos, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic on a hot comal or skillet until charred.

• Blend charred vegetables with achiote paste and 1 cup of turkey broth until smooth.

• Pour blended red sauce into the pot with the turkey.

• Add ground cobanero chile, fresh mint leaves, and cilantro.

• Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 30 minutes until turkey is tender and broth turns bright red.

• Adjust salt to taste and serve hot.

Optional Variations

• Kak'ik de Pollo: Use bone-in chicken thighs if turkey is unavailable.

• Kak'ik Extra Picante: Double the amount of ground Cobán chile for authentic fiery heat.

Cooking Tips

• Cooking turkey on the bone imparts rich collagen and authentic depth to the broth.

• Use real achiote paste rather than powder for true color and subtle earthy acidity.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 360 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 12 g

• Protein: 42 g

• Fat: 15 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Sodium: 520 mg

• Fiber: 3 g

• Sugar: 4 g