What is pipian verde?

This green sauce is a staple in Mexican cooking. It’s made from toasted pumpkin seeds, tomatillos, and fresh herbs. The flavor is rich and creamy with a bit of tang and heat—perfect over meats or vegetables. Unlike dairy-based sauces, its thickness comes naturally from the seeds, giving it a comforting yet bold character.

What is the difference between mole and pipian?

Both are classic sauces, but mole is known for its complex blend of spices, dried chilies, and even chocolate. It's darker, richer, and often served on special occasions. Pipian, especially the green version, is brighter and simpler in both ingredients and preparation. It highlights fresh herbs, seeds, and tomatillos, creating a lighter texture and flavor.

What is pepita verde in English?

The term refers to shelled green pumpkin seeds. These are commonly used in Mexican cuisine, not just for texture but for flavor. They’re usually toasted and ground, forming the creamy base for many traditional sauces.

What is pipián in English?

Pipián refers to a family of seed-based sauces in Mexican cooking. While there's no one-word English translation, it can be described as a thick sauce made from ground seeds—most often pumpkin or squash seeds—combined with herbs, spices, and sometimes chilies. It comes in different styles, such as red or green, depending on the ingredients used.

Pipian Verde Recipe – 5 Easy Steps for Bold, Authentic Flavor

Name: Pipian Verde Recipe: How to Make This Authentic Mexican Favorite
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mexican

Description

Pipian verde is a creamy, nutty Mexican green sauce made with toasted pumpkin seeds, tomatillos, and fresh herbs. It’s perfect over chicken, pork, or vegetables for an authentic and comforting meal.

Ingredients

1 cup raw pumpkin seeds (pepitas), toasted

8 tomatillos, husked and rinsed

1/2 white onion, sliced

2 garlic cloves

1–2 jalapeños or serrano chilies (to taste)

1/2 cup cilantro or parsley

2 cups chicken or vegetable broth

1 tsp ground cumin

Salt to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry pan until golden and fragrant.

2. Roast tomatillos and chilies until softened and slightly charred.

3. Blend roasted tomatillos, chilies, onion, garlic, herbs, toasted seeds, cumin, salt, and broth until smooth.

4. Pour mixture into a saucepan and simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

5. Serve warm over chicken, pork, or vegetables with tortillas.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

For extra spice, add an extra serrano.

You can use sunflower seeds as a nut-free alternative.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 180
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 300mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 0mg