Ancho Mole Pork Chops
Indulge in these savory pork chops drenched in a rich and aromatic ancho mole sauce. This dish combines the deep, smoky flavors of ancho chilies with a hint of sweetness from chocolate, balanced with earthy spices and a smooth tomato base. Perfect for a cozy dinner, the mole sauce not only enhances the pork but is also delightful when served with rice or mashed potatoes. Ideal for those following the WW flex plan, each serving is only 6 points, making it a guilt-free comfort food delight.
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ancho chilies
3 (dried and seeded)
Boiling water
3 cups (none)
Low sodium chicken broth
1 cup (none)
Boneless pork chops
6 (3/4 inch thick)
Salt
1 teaspoon (divided)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Olive oil
2 teaspoons (divided)
Garlic cloves
3 (none)
Onion
1 (chopped)
Tomatoes
1 (quartered)
Dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (none)
Cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (none)
Semisweet or bittersweet chocolate
1 ounce (chopped)
Instructions
1
Toast the ancho chilies in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds on each side, until aromatic. Transfer them to a bowl and cover with boiling water. Allow the chilies to soak for 20 minutes until hydrated, then drain.
2
In a blender, puree the rehydrated chilies with 1/2 cup of chicken broth until smooth. Set this mixture aside in a separate bowl.
3
Season the pork chops on all sides with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and pepper.
4
Prepare the skillet by spraying it with cooking spray and set over medium-high heat. Brown the pork chops on each side for 3-5 minutes, then transfer them to a plate and keep warm.
5
Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to the same skillet, then sauté the garlic and chopped onion for 2-5 minutes until they are golden and fragrant.
6
Mix in the quartered tomatoes and continue to cook, stirring occasionally for another 2-5 minutes. If necessary, substitute with tomato juice, as the mixture will be pureed later.
7
Add the oregano, ground cumin, and cinnamon to the skillet, cooking and stirring for 15 seconds to release their flavors.
8
Transfer the tomato mixture to the blender along with the remaining 1/2 cup of chicken broth. Blend until smooth, which should take about 2 minutes.
9
Heat the remaining teaspoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Combine the chili mixture with the tomato mixture and stir in the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
10
Cook this combined sauce over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to your desired consistency (about 5-10 minutes).
11
Integrate the chopped chocolate into the sauce, stirring continuously until it melts smoothly into the mole.
12
Return the pork chops to the skillet and coat them evenly with the sauce. Allow them to simmer for 5-10 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through and infused with the rich mole flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Ancho Mole Pork Chops recipe?
The main protein used in this recipe is boneless pork chops.
How many servings does this recipe produce?
This recipe is designed to yield 6 servings.
Is this recipe suitable for a Weight Watchers diet?
Yes, it is ideal for those on the WW flex plan, with each serving worth 6 points.
What type of chilies are required for the mole sauce?
The recipe calls for 3 dried and seeded ancho chilies.
How do you prepare the ancho chilies for the sauce?
Toast them in a skillet for 30 seconds per side, then soak in boiling water for 20 minutes until hydrated.
What thickness should the pork chops be?
The boneless pork chops should be approximately 3/4 inch thick.
Does this mole sauce contain chocolate?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 ounce of chopped semisweet or bittersweet chocolate.
What spices are used to flavor the sauce?
The sauce is flavored with dried oregano, ground cumin, and cinnamon.
How long should the pork chops be browned in the skillet?
Brown the pork chops for 3 to 5 minutes on each side.
What liquid is used to blend the chili mixture?
The rehydrated chilies are pureed with 1/2 cup of low sodium chicken broth.
What can I use if I do not have fresh tomatoes?
If necessary, you can substitute the quartered tomatoes with tomato juice.
How much olive oil is needed for this recipe?
A total of 2 teaspoons of olive oil is used, added in divided amounts.
How many garlic cloves are included in the mole?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves.
How do you ensure the mole sauce is smooth?
Both the chili mixture and the sautéed tomato mixture are processed in a blender until smooth.
How long should the mole sauce simmer to thicken?
The combined sauce should be cooked over medium heat for about 5 to 10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
What is the final cooking step for the pork chops?
Return the pork chops to the skillet with the sauce and simmer for 5 to 10 minutes to infuse the flavors.
What are some recommended side dishes for this meal?
This dish is delightful when served with rice or mashed potatoes.
How much salt and pepper are needed for seasoning?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of salt (divided) and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper.
What type of broth is best for this recipe?
Low sodium chicken broth is recommended to control the salt content.
Is the onion cooked before blending?
Yes, the chopped onion is sautéed with garlic for 2 to 5 minutes until golden before being pureed.
How much chocolate is added to the sauce?
One ounce of chopped chocolate is integrated into the sauce.
Do you use cooking spray in this recipe?
Yes, cooking spray is used to prepare the skillet for browning the pork chops.
What is the flavor profile of this dish?
It is savory, smoky, and aromatic with a hint of sweetness from the chocolate.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include pork, mole sauce, ancho chilies, chocolate, ww flex plan, comfort food, dinner, and mexican cuisine.
Is the chili soaking water used in the blender?
No, the instructions state to drain the chilies after soaking before pureeing them with chicken broth.
What heat setting is used for toasting the chilies?
The chilies should be toasted over medium-high heat.
At what point is the oregano added?
The oregano is added to the skillet with the tomatoes and other spices before the mixture is blended.
How long should you cook the spices in the skillet?
Cook and stir the oregano, cumin, and cinnamon for 15 seconds to release their flavors.
When do you add the chocolate to the mole?
The chocolate is stirred into the thickened sauce until it melts smoothly, just before returning the pork to the pan.
What is the preparation for the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be quartered before being sautéed and blended.