Mole Poblano Chronicles: Spices, Chocolate, And Delight - Recipes Master (2024)

Mole Poblano Chronicles: Spices, Chocolate, And Delight - Recipes Master (1)

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Introduction

In the lively embroidery of Mexican cooking, Mole Poblano stands apart as a culinary magnum opus, an orchestra of flavors that dance on your taste buds. Today, we welcome you to set out on a gastronomic excursion as we unwind the insider facts of making the ideal Mole-Poblano.

Origin and History

Mole Poblano traces its roots to the city of Puebla, where legend and tradition intertwine. Believed to have been created by nuns for a visiting archbishop in the 17th century, Mole Poblano is a culinary masterpiece that has evolved over centuries. Its name, “mole,” is derived from the Nahuatl word “molli,” meaning concoction or sauce. This dish reflects the blending of indigenous and Spanish influences, resulting in a sauce that is as diverse as the culture from which it emerged.

Tips and Tricks

  • Quality Ingredients: Invest in high-quality chocolate, chilies, and spices for an authentic and flavorful Mole Poblano.
  • Balancing Act: Achieve the perfect balance of sweetness, spiciness, and bitterness by adjusting the quantity of chocolate and chilies.
  • Patience is a Virtue: Allow the mole to simmer slowly to allow the flavors to meld and intensify.
  • Storage Magic: Mole Poblano tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead for a richer experience.

How to Use Black Mole Paste

Crafting an authentic Mole Poblano is made easier with our Black Mole Paste:

  • Get the Paste: Purchase a high-quality Black Mole Paste from your local store or online.
  • Gather Fresh Ingredients: Collect additional ingredients like chicken, turkey, or vegetables, as specified in the paste instructions.
  • Follow the Instructions: Utilize the paste as your culinary guide, following the step-by-step instructions for a rich and velvety mole.
  • Customize to Taste: Feel free to add extra spices or adjust the consistency to suit your preferences.
  • Dive into Flavor: Immerse yourself in the depth of flavors that Black Mole Paste brings to your Mole Poblano, creating an authentic Mexican culinary experience.

How to make Mole Poblano

Mole Poblano Chronicles: Spices, Chocolate, And Delight - Recipes Master (2)

Mole Poblano Chronicles: A Tale of Spices, Chocolate, and Delight

Recipe by ImamCourse: Main CourseCuisine: Mexican

Mole Poblano is a tapestry of flavors—earthy chilies, rich chocolate, and an array of spices come together in perfect harmony. This sauce is a testament to the artistry of Mexican cooking, creating a sensory experience that transcends the ordinary. Mole Poblano is often reserved for special occasions and celebratory feasts, embodying the spirit of shared meals and cultural richness.

Ingredients

  • For the Mole Sauce:
  • Dried Ancho Chilies (4)

  • Dried Mulato Chilies (2)

  • Dried Pasilla Chilies (2)

  • Chicken Broth (2 cups)

  • Almonds (1/4 cup, toasted)

  • Sesame Seeds (2 tablespoons, toasted)

  • Raisins (1/4 cup)

  • Corn Tortillas (2, torn into pieces)

  • Mexican Chocolate (2 ounces)

  • Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon)

  • Ground Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon)

  • Ground Cloves (1/4 teaspoon)

  • Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

  • For the Main Dish:
  • Chicken Pieces (4, bone-in and skin-on)

  • Salt (to taste)

  • Ground Black Pepper (to taste)

  • All-Purpose Flour (for dredging)

  • Vegetable Oil (2 tablespoons)

Directions

  • Step 1: Toasting the Chilies
  • Begin the enchanting process by toasting Dried Ancho, Mulato, and Pasilla Chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat. Allow them to release their aromatic essence, ensuring not burn them.
  • Stage 2: Setting up the Mole Sauce Base
  • In a blender, consolidate the toasted chilies, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, raisins, torn corn tortillas, and the rich Mexican chocolate. Mix until you accomplish a smooth consistency.
  • Step 3: Infusing Flavor with Spices
  • Ignite the skillet with vegetable oil, infuse it with a tantalizing mix. Sprinkle in ground cinnamon, dark pepper, and a dash of cloves. Watch the symphony of scents captivate your kitchen while the sauce transforms.
  • Step 4: Preparing the Chicken
  • Begin by seasoning chicken pieces with a pinch of salt and ground black pepper. Proceed to coat them thoroughly in all-purpose flour. In another skillet, heat vegetable oil, ensuring a golden perfection as you brown the chicken.
  • Step 5: Marrying the Elements
  • Pour the luscious Mole Sauce over the browned chicken, ensuring every piece is generously coated. Simmer over low heat for about an hour, allowing the flavors to meld into a harmonious union.
  • Serving Suggestions
  • Serve the Mole Poblano over a bed of steamed rice, garnished with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds. The richness of the chocolate-infused sauce complements the succulent chicken, creating a dish that transcends the ordinary.

Conclusion:

  • In the realm of Mexican cuisine, Mole Poblano reigns supreme as a culinary masterpiece. This recipe, a closely guarded secret of Mexican kitchens, is now yours to master. Elevate your cooking skills and indulge in the rich, complex flavors that define authentic Mole Poblano.

Nutrition Facts

1 servings per container

Calories450

  • Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
  • Total Fat25g39%
    • Saturated Fat6g30%
  • Cholesterol120mg40%
  • Sodium800mg34%
  • Amount Per Serving% Daily Value *
  • Total Carbohydrate15g5%
    • Dietary Fiber5g20%
    • Sugars5g
  • Protein40g80%

    * The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

    Mole Poblano Chronicles: Spices, Chocolate, And Delight - Recipes Master (2024)

    FAQs

    Why is mole poblano hard to make? ›

    This sauce usually includes twenty or more ingredients, many requiring their own preparation, and the whole thing takes many hours to fully complete.

    What are the ingredients for mole poblano? ›

    This authentic preparation marries mulato, ancho/pasilla, and guajillo chiles with warm spices, and sweet Mexican chocolate to create a velvety smooth sauce ideal for spooning over chicken or smothering steamed veggies.

    What was the original meat used in mole poblano? ›

    Origin of the Mole Poblano

    Based on facts, Mole had its origin in pre-hispanic Mexico, when it was called mulli and was made with turkey and served in Aztec rituals and other festive occasions. One of the most treasured ingredients used in the mole is xocolatl – Aztec word for chocolate.

    Why does mole take so long to cook? ›

    Slow-Cooker Chicken Mole

    A great mole (a rich Mexican chile sauce) requires hours of slow cooking to develop the deep, complex flavors for which it is so well known, making it a perfect match for the slow cooker.

    What is the secret ingredient in mole? ›

    The key fruit ingredient in mole sauce is not a traditional fruit but dried chili peppers. Mole sauce is a complex and flavorful Mexican culinary delight that combines various ingredients like chocolate, spices, nuts, and, importantly, dried chili peppers.

    What does mole poblano mean in english? ›

    The classic mole version is the variety called mole poblano, which is a dark red or brown sauce served over meat. The dish has become a culinary symbol of Mexico's mestizaje, or mixed indigenous and European heritage, both for the types of ingredients it contains and because of the legends surrounding its origin.

    What country did Mole Poblano come from? ›

    Mole Poblano, a traditional dish of Mexico, is long ingrained in the history of the region we today call Central America. Mole Poblano is a dark red-brown sauce usually served with turkey or chicken.

    What goes well with Mole Poblano? ›

    You can serve this dish with rice, beans, roasted squash or a salad. Chicken Mole Poblano also tastes wonderful sliced up in quesadillas. Optional ingredients add a little character and flavor but don't sweat it if you don't have them.

    What is the most popular ingredient to add to mole? ›

    Chocolate. One of the most popular ingredients in mole is chocolate, which adds a rich, slightly bitter flavor to the sauce. The chocolate used in mole is usually Mexican chocolate, which contains cinnamon and other spices, giving the dish a unique taste.

    What is Mexico's national dish? ›

    Mole poblano has its origin story in the 17th century and is considered to be the national dish of Mexico - a point of pride.

    Does mole poblano have chocolate? ›

    Mole poblano: This is a reddish-brown sauce made with chiles, nuts, seeds, spices, and chocolate. It is often served over chicken or turkey. Mole verde: This is a green sauce made with green chiles, nuts, seeds, and spices.

    Is mole better with chicken or pork? ›

    This fragant, complex and smooth concoction was then traditionally served with turkey or pork, but nowadays we eat it a lot more with chicken. If you use the commercially available mole paste as I did, you need to enhance it.

    Should you refrigerate mole? ›

    If you've made homemade mole, it's best to refrigerate it in an airtight container immediately after it cools and use it within a week.

    How long is homemade mole good for? ›

    After cooking, you can freeze it and can keep it for up to 6 months. If you decide to store it in the fridge, it can last up to 6 days.

    How do you make mole less bitter? ›

    To sweeten a mole, add a wedge of melted Mexican chocolate (or an equal amount of semisweet chocolate) or a spoon of brown sugar or grated piloncillo.

    Why is mole hard to make? ›

    It's a complex sauce made from a mass of chilis and a variety of other ingredients. Mole is usually poured over chicken, turkey, fish and vegetables, but not served by itself. The subtle flavors of these meats and veggies allows the unique flavors of the mole to be the star attraction.

    Is mole difficult to make? ›

    Making mole at home, is easy, but it takes some time and you need the ingredients. Basically you need, for “mole poblano” the best known version, different chile peppers (ancho, guajillo, and mulato). tortillas, bread, garlic, onion, black pepper, pimienta gorda, almonds, and sesame seeds.

    Why is moles hard? ›

    In advanced melanoma, the texture of the mole may change. The skin on the surface may break down and look scraped. The mole may become hard or lumpy and the surface may ooze or bleed. Sometimes the melanoma is itchy, tender, or painful.

    How long does it take to cook poblano? ›

    Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Rinse and pat dry poblano peppers and place on a baking sheet. Turning occasionally, roast in oven for 20-25 minutes until all sides are charred and blistered. Peppers can also be roasted on an open flame or on a griddle.

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