Ingredients
Before we get started, let’s take a look at the ingredients that you’ll need to make a mole: – 4-5 dried ancho chiles – 2-3 dried pasilla chiles – 1/4 cup of sesame seeds – 1/4 cup of almonds – 1/4 cup of raisins – 1/4 cup of pumpkin seeds – 1/4 cup of peanuts – 1/4 cup of vegetable oil – 1 onion, chopped – 4 garlic cloves, minced – 2 tomatoes, chopped – 2-3 cups of chicken broth – 1 tablespoon of cinnamon – 1 tablespoon of cumin – 1/4 teaspoon of cloves – 1/4 teaspoon of allspice – 2-3 ounces of Mexican chocolate – Salt to taste
Step 1: Toast the Chiles and Seeds
The first step in making a mole is toasting the chiles and seeds. Heat a dry skillet over medium heat and add the ancho and pasilla chiles. Toast them for a few minutes until they become fragrant, then remove them from the skillet and let them cool. Next, add the sesame seeds, almonds, raisins, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts to the skillet. Toast them until they become golden brown, then remove them from the skillet and let them cool.
Step 2: Blend the Chiles and Seeds
Once the chiles and seeds have cooled, add them to a blender or food processor. Add a cup of chicken broth and blend until the mixture is smooth.
Step 3: Cook the Onion and Garlic
Heat a large pot over medium heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for a few minutes until they become soft and translucent.
Step 4: Add the Tomatoes
Add the chopped tomatoes to the pot and cook them for a few minutes until they become soft.
Step 5: Add the Blended Mixture
Add the blended chile and seed mixture to the pot and stir until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Add the Spices
Add the cinnamon, cumin, cloves, allspice, and salt to the pot. Stir everything together and let it cook for a few minutes.
Step 7: Add the Chicken Broth
Add 2-3 cups of chicken broth to the pot, depending on how thick you want your mole to be. Stir everything together and let it simmer for about an hour.
Step 8: Add the Chocolate
Once the mole has been simmering for an hour, add the Mexican chocolate to the pot. Stir it in until it has melted and is well combined.
Step 9: Blend the Mole
Let the mole cool for a few minutes, then transfer it to a blender or food processor. Blend it until it is smooth and creamy.
Step 10: Serve the Mole
Your mole is now ready to be served! You can serve it over chicken, pork, or beef, or with rice and beans on the side.
FAQs
What is mole?
Mole is a traditional Mexican dish that is known for its rich and complex flavor. It is made by combining a variety of ingredients, including chiles, spices, and chocolate.
What are the traditional ingredients in mole?
The traditional ingredients in mole include dried chiles, seeds, nuts, vegetables, spices, and chocolate.
What does mole taste like?
Mole has a rich and complex flavor that is both savory and sweet. It has a slightly spicy kick from the chiles and a subtle sweetness from the chocolate.
Can mole be made without chocolate?
While chocolate is a traditional ingredient in mole, it is possible to make a mole without it. However, the chocolate adds a unique depth of flavor to the dish.
Conclusion
Making a mole from scratch may seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite simple. By following these steps, you can create a delicious mole that will impress your friends and family. So why not give it a try and see for yourself how delicious this traditional Mexican dish can be?