Kak'ik facts for kids
![]() Kak'ik
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Place of origin | Guatemala |
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Main ingredients | Turkey leg |
Kak'ik is a delicious soup from Guatemala. It is made with a special type of turkey called "chompipe." This traditional dish has been enjoyed for a very long time. It comes from a time before Christopher Columbus arrived in the Americas.
The name Kak'ik comes from the Mayan people. It uses words from the Q'eqchi' language. Kak means "red" and ik means "hot" or "very spicy." So, Kak'ik is a "red and spicy" soup! In 2007, Guatemala recognized Kak'ik as an important part of its national culture. This means it is a special heritage dish.
What is Kak'ik?
Kak'ik is a famous soup from the Las Verapaces region of Guatemala. Even though recipes can be a bit different in other places, the main ingredients stay the same. It's a hearty and flavorful meal.
A Taste of History
This soup has a long history. It was eaten by people in Guatemala even before European explorers arrived. This makes Kak'ik a truly ancient recipe. It connects people today to their ancestors. It shows the rich food traditions of the Mayan people.
Special Ingredients
The traditional Kak'ik recipe uses several key ingredients. The main one is chompipe, a type of turkey. Other important ingredients include garlic, onion, and fresh peppermint. Coriander and Eryngium foetidum leaves, also known as zamat, add unique flavors. The soup gets its beautiful red color from ground annatto. Annatto is a natural spice that gives food a bright orange-red color.
How it's Served
Kak'ik is usually served with other tasty foods. People often eat it with plain rice. White tamales are also a common side. These tamales are wrapped in Calathea lutea leaves, called mashán leaves. A bit of chili is often added for extra spice. To complete the meal, people sometimes drink a special cocoa drink. This makes the whole meal a wonderful experience.