Introduction
Mole Poblano is a famous dish in Mexican cuisine that’s known for its rich, complex flavors and spicy kick. The dish has a long history that dates back to pre-Columbian times when the Aztecs prepared a sauce made from chiles and cocoa beans. Today, Mole Poblano is a festive meal that’s often served during special occasions like weddings and holidays. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to make this delicious dish from scratch so that you can enjoy the authentic taste of Mexico in your own home.
Ingredients
For 4 servings, you’ll need:
- 5 ancho chiles
- 3 pasilla chiles
- 3 mulato chiles
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 4 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp black peppercorns
- 1 tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cloves
- 6 garlic cloves
- 1 onion
- 1 plantain
- 1/2 cup lard
- 1/2 cup masa harina
- 6 cups chicken broth
- 2 oz Mexican chocolate
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp salt
Instructions
- Toast the chiles, almonds, and sesame seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and soak in hot water for 15 minutes.
- Toast the peppercorns, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, and cloves in the same skillet for 1 minute. Grind the spices in a blender or spice grinder.
- Drain the chiles and blend with the spices, garlic, onion, plantain, and 2 cups of chicken broth until smooth.
- Heat the lard in a large pot over medium heat and add the masa harina. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Add the chile mixture, remaining chicken broth, chocolate, sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with cooked chicken and rice.
Vegetarian/Vegan Option
To make this dish vegetarian/vegan, simply replace the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the lard. You can use a neutral oil like canola oil instead.
Gluten-Free Option
Masa harina is gluten-free, so this recipe is already gluten-free. Just be sure to use gluten-free chicken broth and chocolate.
Conclusion
Mole Poblano is a delicious and complex dish that’s worth the effort to make from scratch. With this recipe, you can impress your guests with your authentic Mexican cooking skills and enjoy a taste of Mexico in your own home. Try it today and see for yourself why Mole Poblano is a beloved dish in Mexican cuisine.
FAQ
What is Mole Poblano?
Mole Poblano is a traditional Mexican sauce made with a blend of spices, chocolate, and other ingredients. It is typically served with chicken or turkey.
What are the ingredients for Mole Poblano?
The ingredients for Mole Poblano typically include dried chili peppers, chocolate, spices such as cinnamon and cumin, and other ingredients such as nuts, seeds, and bread.
Can I make Mole Poblano without chocolate?
Chocolate is a key ingredient in Mole Poblano, and it is what gives the sauce its distinct flavor. While it is possible to make a version of Mole Poblano without chocolate, it will not have the same flavor profile.
How spicy is Mole Poblano?
The spiciness of Mole Poblano can vary depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used. It can range from mildly spicy to very spicy.
Can I make Mole Poblano ahead of time?
Yes, Mole Poblano can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Simply reheat it before serving.
What dishes can I serve with Mole Poblano?
Mole Poblano is traditionally served with chicken or turkey, but it can also be served with other meats such as pork or beef. It can also be served with rice, beans, or tortillas.
How do I store leftover Mole Poblano?
Leftover Mole Poblano can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Can I make Mole Poblano vegan?
Yes, it is possible to make a vegan version of Mole Poblano by omitting the animal products such as chicken stock and using vegetable stock instead.
Can I adjust the sweetness of Mole Poblano?
Yes, you can adjust the sweetness of Mole Poblano by adding more or less chocolate, or by adding a sweetener such as sugar or honey.
Can I make Mole Poblano in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make Mole Poblano in a slow cooker. Simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
