TRADITIONAL MOLE SAUCE

11.     INTRODUCTION

Mole is the generic name for a number of sauces originally used in Mexican cuisine, as well as for dishes based on these sauces. Three states in Mexico claim to be the origin of mole: Puebla, Oaxaca and Tlaxcala. The states with the best known moles are Puebla and Oaxaca, but other regions in Mexico also make various types of mole sauces. Moles come in various flavors and ingredients, with chili peppers as the common factor. However, the classic mole version is the variety called mole poblano, which is a dark red or brown sauce served over meat. The dish has become a culinary symbol of Mexico’s mestizaje, or mixed indigenous and European heritage, both for the types of ingredients it contains as well as the legends surrounding its origin.

22.     MATERIALS AND METHODS

Materials:

·      2 ancho chilies

·      3 chipotle chilies

·      2 New Mexico chilies

·      1 roll

·      1 tortilla

·      2 tomatoes

·      5 tomatillos

·      Lard

·      1 med. Onion, sliced

·      ½ head chopped garlic

·      1/3-cup peanuts

·      ¼ cup raisins

·      1 tbs. thyme

·      3 sticks cinnamon

·      5 cloves

·      6 berries all-spice

·      2 tbs. cumin seeds

·      5 oz. chocolate

·      1tsp. salt

·      3 tbs. sugar

·      1-cup chicken broth

Equipment:  

·      Whisk

·      Mixing bowls

·      Blender

·      2 Sauce pans

Preparation:

1.     De-seed the chilies

2.     Toast the chilies in a dry pan

3.     Place the chilies in a blender and soak in chicken broth (2 cups)

4.     Toast a sliced roll and tortilla in a dry pan

5.     Add toasted roll and tortilla to blender and let soak in broth for 10 minutes.  After ten minutes, blend and transfer to bowl.

6.     Blend chilies once they become softened

7.     Blacken tomatoes and tomatillo halves

8.     Once blackened, remove the tomatoes and tomatillos from the pan and season pan with 1 tbs. lard

9.     Add following ingredients to hot pan and cook until onions are soft

10.  Once onions are soft, add ingredients to blender along with the tomatoes and tomatillos and blend.

11.  In saucepan combine both of the blended ingredients. And add:

                                                            5 oz. chocolate

                                                            1tsp. salt

                                                            3 tbs. sugar

                                                            1-cup chicken broth

33.     RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

The recipe went very well and was a lot of fun even though it is a lot of work and cleanup.

44.     CITATION

Personal Recipe