This authentic Mole Coloradito Oaxaqueno is a celebration of deep, complex flavors derived from a careful balance of dried chiles, spices, and sweet accents. Unlike heavier moles, this “little red” sauce is brighter and slightly spicier, featuring a rich base of ancho and guajillo chiles toasted to perfection. The addition of fried bread, plantain, raisins, and almonds creates a velvety texture with subtle nutty and fruity undertones, while Mexican chocolate adds a luxurious finish. Traditionally served over tender simmered chicken, this dish is a festive centerpiece perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. It requires patience and attention to detail, but the result is a soul-warming, aromatic sauce that captures the true essence of Oaxacan cuisine.
Mole Coloradito Oaxaqueno
Description
This authentic Mole Coloradito Oaxaqueno is a celebration of deep, complex flavors derived from a careful balance of dried chiles, spices, and sweet accents. Unlike heavier moles, this "little red" sauce is brighter and slightly spicier, featuring a rich base of ancho and guajillo chiles toasted to perfection. The addition of fried bread, plantain, raisins, and almonds creates a velvety texture with subtle nutty and fruity undertones, while Mexican chocolate adds a luxurious finish. Traditionally served over tender simmered chicken, this dish is a festive centerpiece perfect for family gatherings or special occasions. It requires patience and attention to detail, but the result is a soul-warming, aromatic sauce that captures the true essence of Oaxacan cuisine.Directions
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Simmer the chicken pieces in the chicken stock until tender, about 30 minutes.
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Remove the chicken from the stock, keep warm, and reserve the stock.
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In a large frying pan or comal, toast the ancho and guajillo chiles, turning once until darkened but not burned. Toast the guajillos slightly longer due to their tougher skins.
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Place the toasted chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water to soak for 30 minutes to soften.
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Drain the chiles and place them in a blender or food processor. Puree, adding a little of the soaking water if necessary, then strain the mixture to remove skins and seeds.
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In a dry pan, lightly toast the peppercorns, cloves, and cinnamon stick. Cool and grind them into a fine powder using a molcajete or spice grinder.
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In the same dry pan, roast the onion and garlic cloves until slightly browned. Cool and puree in a food processor with a little water.
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Heat the lard in a pan until smoking hot. Fry the bread slices until lightly browned, then remove and drain on paper towels.
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Fry the plantain slices on both sides until brown, then remove and drain.
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Quickly fry the raisins in the remaining lard, then remove and drain.
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Lower the heat and add the sesame seeds to the pan, stirring constantly for a couple of minutes. Add the almonds and continue frying until both are well browned.
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Remove the nuts and seeds, drain, and combine with the fried bread, plantain, and raisins. Reserve some sesame seeds for garnish. Puree this mixture in a food processor or blender with a little water if necessary.
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Wipe out the skillet with a cloth and add 1 tablespoon of lard. When hot, add the tomatoes and fry well. Puree the tomatoes in a blender or food processor.
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Heat 1 tablespoon of lard in a heavy pot or cazuela until smoking. Add the chile puree and fry, stirring constantly to prevent burning, for a couple of minutes.
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Add the tomato puree, ground spices, and marjoram to the pot. Heat through.
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Stir in the bread/nut mixture and continue to heat, stirring constantly.
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Add the Mexican chocolate and avocado leaves. Thin the sauce with the reserved chicken stock.
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Simmer the mole for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
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Add the cooked chicken to the sauce, adjust salt to taste, and heat through.
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Serve with black beans, rice, and tortillas.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 8 pies
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 598kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 30g47%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Cholesterol 222mg74%
- Sodium 205mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 25g9%
- Dietary Fiber 5g20%
- Sugars 10g
- Protein 68g136%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.