Mole
Description
This authentic Mole recipe transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful Mexican classic. The sauce is built on a foundation of store-bought mole paste, enriched with tomato sauce, a touch of Mexican chocolate for sweetness and depth, and savory chicken broth. Tender chicken pieces are poached in water until cooked through, then simmered in the thick, aromatic sauce to absorb all the spices. The result is a dish with a perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory notes, with a velvety texture that coats every bite. Ideal for family dinners or festive gatherings, this mole is a comforting yet sophisticated meal that showcases the vibrant flavors of Mexican cuisine without requiring hours of preparation from scratch.Ingredients
Directions
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Place the chicken pieces in a Dutch oven and add 4 cups of water, adding more if necessary to fully submerge the chicken.
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Bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.
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While the chicken cooks, combine the mole paste, tomato sauce, Mexican chocolate, and chicken bouillon cube in a small bowl.
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Remove one cup of hot broth from the Dutch oven and pour it into the bowl with the mole mixture.
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Use a potato masher to mash the ingredients together until the sauce is creamy, smooth, and free of lumps.
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Taste the sauce and add salt if needed.
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Pour the prepared mole sauce into the Dutch oven with the boiled chicken, stirring gently to combine.
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Simmer uncovered for another 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld, then turn off the heat and cover to rest before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 104.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 6.8g11%
- Saturated Fat 1.4g7%
- Cholesterol 22.2mg8%
- Sodium 94.5mg4%
- Total Carbohydrate 3.1g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1.8g8%
- Sugars 0.7g
- Protein 7.4g15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
For best results, use a high-quality store-bought mole paste as the base. If the sauce is too thick, add additional chicken broth or water, one tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Mexican chocolate often contains cinnamon and sugar, which contributes to the authentic flavor profile. If unavailable, regular baking chocolate can be substituted, though the flavor will be less complex.
Mole tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much.
Serve this mole over white rice or with warm tortillas for a complete meal. Garnish with sesame seeds or sliced almonds for added texture and visual appeal.
