RAMP PIPIÁN VERDE – Wild, Nutty & Seriously Bold

Ramp Pipián Verde – the Wildest Sauce You’ve Never Tried

Introduction

Think of pipián as mole’s herbal, nutty cousin: earthy, punchy, and deeply comforting. This version levels up with wild ramps, giving it a springtime edge that’s bright, garlicky, and foraged. It’s bold, green, and ready to take over your table.

Why This Sauce Works

• 🌱 Ramps = Foraged Flavor Bombs → Wild and garlicky, they add depth and brightness.

• 🌶 Roasted Poblanos + Jalapeños → Earthy heat and serious complexity.

• 🌰 Pumpkin + Sesame Seeds → Traditional pipián texture and nuttiness.

• 🧄 Aromatic Base → Toasted cumin, cinnamon, and golden onions pull it all together.

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Ingredients

Ramp Pipián Verde (Serves 4)

• 550g (1.2 lbs) poblano chiles, whole

• 770g (1.7 lbs) tomatillos, whole

• 130g (0.3 lbs) jalapeño, whole

• 100g (3.5 oz) white onion, large dice

• 100g (3.5 oz) ramps, bulbs and greens separated

• 70g (2.5 oz) hulled pumpkin seeds

• 15g (1 tbsp) sesame seeds

• 10g (⅓ oz) epazote, leaves only

• 70g (5 tbsp) neutral oil

• 1.5g (¾ tsp) cumin seeds

• 1g (½ tsp) black peppercorns

• 0.75g (1 small stick) Mexican cinnamon

• 20g (1 tbsp + 1 tsp) Diamond Crystal kosher salt

• 550g (2⅓ cups) water

To Finish the Dish

• 1.13 kg (2.5 lbs) bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (poached or roasted)

• Chicken stock or water (to thin as needed)

• Cooked pipián sauce

Instructions

1️⃣ Roast & Prep the Vegetables

• Broil poblanos and jalapeños until blackened all over. Steam in a bowl, then peel, seed, and reserve.

• Broil tomatillos until tender and blackened. Cool and reserve.

• Dry roast garlic until tender.

• Toast cinnamon and cumin seeds in a dry pan.

2️⃣ Cook Your Base

• Blanch and shock epazote + ramp greens. Reserve.

• In a pot, heat oil and sauté onions until caramelized.

• Add roasted peppers, tomatillos, ramp bulbs, spices, pumpkin seeds. Cook briefly.

• Add water and simmer for 20 minutes. Cool slightly.

3️⃣ Blend It All

• In batches, blend the pipián base with blanched herbs and salt until smooth. Adjust seasoning.

4️⃣ Warm & Serve

• Simmer pipián in a pot with stock to desired texture.

• Add chicken thighs and heat through. Adjust salt and consistency if needed.

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Tips & Tricks

🔥 Can’t find ramps? Use green garlic or spring onions as a sub.
🔥 Want it smoother? Add more water or stock while blending.
🔥 Leftovers? This sauce freezes like a dream.
🔥 Roast your chicken for a crispier contrast.

How to Use Ramp Pipian Verde

🍗 Over poached or roasted chicken
🌮 Spoon it into tacos
🍚 Ladled over buttered rice
🥄 Eaten straight with a spoon (no shame)

Make It & Show Me!

Make this wild green sauce and tag me @goatboyintl — I want to see it.
From mole’s cousin to your springtime table, this one's a keeper!