Dive into the complex flavors of Mexico with this traditional Mole Poblano recipe. This labor of love combines chiles, chocolate, and a symphony of spices to create a sauce that’s both rich and nuanced. Perfect for special occasions or when you want to impress your dinner guests with your culinary prowess!Mole Poblano is the crown jewel of Mexican sauces, originating from the state of Puebla. This recipe stays true to its roots, requiring over 20 ingredients and several hours of preparation. But don’t let that intimidate you – the result is a deeply satisfying sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexico.
While the process may seem daunting, each step contributes to the complex flavor profile that makes Mole Poblano so special. From toasting chiles to grinding spices, every action infuses the sauce with another layer of depth. The combination of chocolate, chiles, nuts, and spices creates a harmonious blend that’s earthy, spicy, sweet, and sometimes even bitter.
So roll up your sleeves, clear your schedule, and prepare for a culinary adventure. Your efforts will be rewarded with a sauce that’s nothing short of spectacular – and enough leftovers to enjoy for weeks to come!
Mole Poblano Recipe
Ingredients
- 12 dried ancho chiles
- 12 dried guajillo chiles
- 6 dried pasilla chiles
- 4 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon aniseed
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 3 dried bay leaves, crumbled
- 1 (1 1/2-inch) stick cinnamon, broken into pieces
- 2 cups canola oil
- 7 1/4 cups chicken stock
- 1/2 cup skin-on almonds
- 1/2 cup raw shelled peanuts
- 1/3 cup hulled pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
- 1/3 cup raisins
- 2 slices white bread
- 2 stale corn tortillas
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup)
- 10 medium cloves garlic, minced (about 10 teaspoons)
- 2 large tomatillos, husked, rinsed, and quartered
- 1 large tomato, quartered
- 1 cup finely chopped Mexican chocolate
- 4 tablespoons sugar, plus more to taste
- Kosher salt, to taste
Directions
- Prepare the chiles and spices: Remove stems from chiles and shake out seeds. Tear chiles into large pieces. Toast 4 tablespoons of chile seeds with sesame seeds in a skillet until lightly browned. Transfer to a spice grinder. Toast aniseed, peppercorns, and cloves separately, then add to the grinder along with thyme, marjoram, bay leaves, and cinnamon. Grind to a fine powder and set aside.
- Fry and soak the chiles: Heat oil to 350°F (177°C) and quickly fry chiles in batches until slightly darkened. Soak fried chiles in boiling water for 30 minutes, then drain, reserving the soaking liquid.
- Blend the chiles: In three batches, blend chiles with some soaking liquid and chicken stock. Strain the mixture, discarding solids.
- Fry nuts and seeds: Fry almonds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, and raisins separately until toasted. Add to the spice mixture.
- Fry bread and tortillas: Fry bread and tortillas until golden brown. Break into pieces and add to the spice mixture.
- Cook aromatics: Fry onions until browned, then add garlic and cook until fragrant. Add to the spice mixture.
- Cook tomatillos and tomatoes: Fry tomatillos and tomatoes until softened. Add to the spice mixture along with 2 1/2 cups of chicken stock.
- Blend and strain: Purée the spice mixture in batches, then strain, discarding solids.
- Cook the mole: In a large pot, cook the chile purée until thickened. Add the spice mixture and simmer. Stir in remaining chicken stock and chocolate. Simmer for 1 hour. Add sugar and salt to taste. Your mole is ready to use or store!
Nutrition Facts (per serving) |
4876 |
Calories |
301g |
Fat |
461g |
Carbs |
134g |
Protein |
Nutrition Facts |
Amount per serving |
Calories |
4876 |
% Daily Value* |
Total Fat 301g |
386% |
Saturated Fat 63g |
315% |
Cholesterol 100mg |
33% |
Sodium 5585mg |
243% |
Total Carbohydrate 461g |
168% |
Dietary Fiber 65g |
233% |
Total Sugars 237g |
Protein 134g |
Vitamin C 119mg |
594% |
Calcium 1621mg |
125% |
Iron 38mg |
209% |
Potassium 7072mg |
150% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |