Rich Chocolate Mole Sauce
This exquisite Rich Chocolate Mole Sauce is a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine, renowned for its complex layers of flavors, combining aromatic spices with the deep richness of chocolate. Perfectly versatile, this sauce enhances a variety of dishes, including enchiladas, grilled chicken, and hearty burritos. The secret to a memorable mole lies in its balance of heat, sweetness, and the unmistakable touch of chocolate, which elevates every bite. This recipe yields a generous amount, making it ideal for meal prep—double the batch to keep some in the freezer for those busy nights when you crave a taste of Mexico. For a vegetarian version, simply substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth without sacrificing any of the rich flavor!
N/A
Servings
175
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken broth or vegetable broth
4 1/2 cups (Use low-sodium for a healthier option.)
Olive oil
3 tablespoons (Extra virgin preferred.)
Onion
1 cup (Finely chopped.)
Garlic
3 tablespoons (Chopped.)
Dried oregano
1 teaspoon (Dried.)
Ground cumin
1 teaspoon (Ground.)
Ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon (Ground.)
Chili powder
4 tablespoons (Use your preferred blend.)
All-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (Regular, for thickening.)
Raisins
2 tablespoons (Heaping, adds sweetness.)
Slivered almonds
2 tablespoons (Heaping, for richness.)
Dark chocolate
2 ounces (Chopped, at least 70% cocoa for a richer flavor.)
Instructions
1
In a large saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium-low heat.
2
Add the finely chopped onion and chopped garlic, cooking until the onion is nearly tender, which should take about 10 minutes—stir occasionally.
3
Stir in the dried oregano, ground cumin, and ground cinnamon, allowing the spices to release their aromas for a minute.
4
Mix in the chili powder and all-purpose flour, stirring constantly for about 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
5
Gradually whisk in the chicken or vegetable broth, ensuring no lumps remain.
6
Increase the heat to medium-high, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat slightly and let it simmer until reduced and thickened, approximately 35 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7
Once reduced, remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly.
8
Transfer the sauce, along with the raisins and slivered almonds, to a blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
9
Pour the blended sauce back into the saucepan and heat it over medium heat until warmed through.
10
Whisk in the chopped dark chocolate until it melts and is fully incorporated.
11
Lower the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for an additional 3 minutes, whisking regularly, ensuring a homogenous blend.
Nutrition Information
6.7g
Fat
25g
Carbs
3.3g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Rich Chocolate Mole Sauce?
It is a complex Mexican sauce known for its layers of flavor, combining aromatic spices, chili, and the deep richness of dark chocolate.
What dishes pair well with this mole sauce?
This sauce is versatile and enhances dishes like enchiladas, grilled chicken, and hearty burritos.
Can I make this mole sauce vegetarian?
Yes, simply substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to create a vegetarian version without losing the rich flavor.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
Each serving contains approximately 175 calories.
What is the fat content of the recipe?
The sauce contains 6.7g of fat per serving.
How much protein does this mole sauce provide?
It provides 3.3g of protein per serving.
How long should I cook the onions and garlic?
The finely chopped onion and garlic should be cooked over medium-low heat for about 10 minutes until the onion is nearly tender.
What spices are included in the aromatic base?
The recipe uses dried oregano, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and chili powder.
Why is flour added to the sauce?
All-purpose flour is used as a thickening agent to give the mole its characteristic body.
How long does the sauce need to simmer before blending?
After adding the broth, let the sauce simmer for approximately 35 minutes until it is reduced and thickened.
What ingredients are added during the blending stage?
The reduced sauce is blended with raisins and slivered almonds to create a smooth and creamy texture.
When do I add the chocolate to the sauce?
The chopped dark chocolate is whisked in at the very end, after the sauce has been blended and reheated.
What type of chocolate is best for this recipe?
A dark chocolate with at least 70% cocoa is recommended for a deeper, richer flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep; you can double the batch and keep some in the freezer for future use.
How much broth is required?
The recipe calls for 4 1/2 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
What type of oil is recommended?
Three tablespoons of olive oil are used, with extra virgin being the preferred choice.
What is the purpose of the raisins in mole?
Raisins provide a hint of natural sweetness that helps balance the heat of the chili powder.
Why are almonds used in the recipe?
Slivered almonds add richness and help thicken the sauce when blended.
How much chili powder should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 tablespoons of your preferred chili powder blend.
How do I prevent lumps in the sauce?
Gradually whisk in the broth after adding the flour and chili powder to ensure a smooth mixture.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 main ingredients in this Rich Chocolate Mole Sauce.
Can I use low-sodium broth?
Yes, using low-sodium broth is suggested as a healthier option.
What is the carbohydrate count per serving?
There are 25g of carbohydrates per serving.
How long is the final simmer after adding chocolate?
Once the chocolate is incorporated, let the sauce simmer on low for an additional 3 minutes.
Is the onion chopped or sliced?
The recipe specifies 1 cup of finely chopped onion.
Does this sauce contain cinnamon?
Yes, 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon is included to add to the complex spice profile.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of chopped garlic.
Is the sauce spicy?
It has a balance of heat from 4 tablespoons of chili powder, but it is balanced by the sweetness of raisins and chocolate.
What is the secret to a memorable mole?
The secret lies in its balance of heat, sweetness, and the unmistakable touch of chocolate.
What category does this recipe belong to?
This is a sauce recipe, specifically a Mexican-style mole.