Mole Poblano is one of the most famous dishes in Mexican cuisine, and for good reason. The complex and rich flavors of the sauce are a result of the unique blend of ingredients, including various types of chili peppers, spices, and of course, chocolate. It is a dish that requires a bit of patience and skill to make, but the end result is always worth it. In this article, we will go over the best Mole Poblano recipe that you can try at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 dried ancho chili peppers
- 4 dried guajillo chili peppers
- 2 dried pasilla chili peppers
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup almonds
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 onion, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon thyme leaves
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1 oz. Mexican chocolate
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
- Salt, to taste
- 3 lbs. chicken or turkey, cooked and shredded
Instructions:
- Toast the chili peppers in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant, then remove the stems and seeds.
- In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil and then remove from heat. Add the toasted chili peppers and let them soak for about 20 minutes, until soft.
- In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the raisins, almonds, and sesame seeds, and cook for a few minutes until lightly browned. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the garlic and onion, and cook until softened.
- Drain the chili peppers and add them to a blender, along with the garlic, onion, raisins, almonds, sesame seeds, cinnamon, cloves, cumin, oregano, thyme, black pepper, cocoa powder, Mexican chocolate, sugar, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
- Pour the sauce into the pot with the chicken broth, and stir until well combined.
- Add the shredded chicken or turkey to the pot, and simmer for about an hour, stirring occasionally.
- Serve with rice and tortillas.
Tips:
- This recipe makes a large batch of sauce, so you can freeze the leftovers for future use.
- If you don't have access to Mexican chocolate, you can use regular chocolate and add a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne pepper to the sauce for a similar flavor profile.
- Adjust the amount of chili peppers to your desired level of spiciness.
- You can also add vegetables like potatoes, carrots, and zucchini to the sauce for added texture and flavor.
In conclusion, Mole Poblano is a beloved dish that requires a bit of time and effort to make, but the end result is always worth it. With this recipe, you can recreate the authentic flavors of Mexico in your own kitchen. So gather your ingredients, turn on some music, and get ready to make some delicious Mole Poblano.