Pollo Tocatlán (Tlaxcalan Chicken in Green Pumpkin Seed Sauce)

History & Origin

Pollo Tocatlán is a traditional Tlaxcalan stew that takes its name from the Nahuatl "tocatl", meaning spider. This dish belongs to the rich Tlaxcalan tradition of green-sauce stews. The base is a tomatillo sauce with serrano chilli, toasted and ground pumpkin seeds, and fresh epazote, the essential aromatic herb of central Mexican cooking. The pumpkin seeds give a creamy texture and nutty flavour that complements the tomatillo's acidity. Tlaxcala was an ally of Cortés during the conquest, which preserved many pre-Hispanic culinary traditions. Pollo Tocatlán is typically served with white rice and handmade maize tortillas, and is found in the fondas of central Tlaxcala during patron-saint festivals and Sunday markets.