
Recipe for Papadzules
Papadzules are an ancestral and emblematic dish of Yucatecan gastronomy, considered one of the most authentic and representative delicacies of the Yucatán peninsula. Their name, of Mayan origin, translates to "the lord's food" or "smeared by the lord," which highlights their historical and cultural importance.
This dish consists of corn tortillas filled with chopped boiled egg, bathed in a sauce of ground pumpkin seeds and epazote, and often finished with a roasted tomato and habanero chili sauce. More than just a recipe, papadzules reflect the richness of local ingredients and the Mayan culinary heritage, being a staple in celebrations, festivals, and the daily life of Yucatecans.
Recipe for Papadzules
Pumpkin Seed Sauce Ingredients:
- 250 g (about 1 cup) pumpkin seeds for papadzul
- Epazote (a Mexican herb)
- 2 teaspoons bouillon powder
- Water
Tomato Sauce Ingredients:
- ½ kg (about 1 lb) tomatoes
- 150 g (about 1 medium) onion
- Water
- Epazote
- 2 teaspoons bouillon powder
- 1 xcatik or habanero chili pepper
- Salt
Ingredients for Assembling:
- 8 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- ¼ kg (about 8 oz) tortillas
Instructions:
-
On the stove, mix the pumpkin seeds with the bouillon powder and a little bit of water. Add a sprig of epazote, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the mixture thickens slightly.
-
Make the tomato sauce by blending the tomatoes, onion, bouillon powder, chili, and salt. Cook the sauce in a pot with a sprig of epazote.
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To assemble the tacos, first dip a tortilla into the pumpkin seed sauce. Fill the tortilla with the chopped egg to form a taco.
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To serve, place the tacos on a plate and pour the pumpkin seed sauce and the tomato sauce over them. Ready to serve!
Other delicious recipes from Yucatecan Cuisine:
- Recipe for Papadzules
- Recipe for Sopa de Lima
- Recipe for Pollo en Escabeche
- Recipe for Relleno Negro
- Recipe for Cochinita Pibil
- Recipe for Frijol con Puerco
- Recipe for Queso Relleno
- Recipe for Tamales Yucatecos
Yucatecan Dessert Recipes:

Author: Yucatán Today
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