Traditional Mole Poblano Recipe

Discover the rich and complex flavors of Mole Poblano, a traditional Mexican sauce made with chilies, chocolate, and spices. Perfect for serving over chicken.
A bowl of dark Mole Poblano soup garnished with diced yellow vegetables, with a spoon placed in the bowl, sits on a textured surface with a shadow cast to the side.
A bowl of thick, dark Mole Poblano soup with chunks of vegetables sits next to a spoon and a bowl of powdered spice on a white surface with a white cloth, showcasing the rich flavors of this traditional recipe.

Traditional Mole Poblano Recipe

A smiling chef in an apron in a kitchen.Oliver Martinez
A quick and convenient granola bar, perfect for busy mornings.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Meal Type Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine Mexican
Servings 6
Calories 1850 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $25
Shopping Cost$56

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Blender or food processor
  • Wooden spoon

Ingredients
 
 

  • 4 chilies dried ancho
  • 4 chilies dried pasilla
  • 2 chilies dried mulato
  • ¼ cup sesame seeds
  • ¼ cup almonds
  • ¼ cup peanuts
  • ¼ cup raisins
  • ¼ cup pumpkin seeds
  • ¼ cup lard or vegetable oil
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tomatoes chopped
  • 1 plantain sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground coriander
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 ounces chocolate chopped, Mexican chocolate
  • Salt to taste
  • 6 pieces chicken legs or thighs, cooked

Instructions
 

  • Toast the chilies in a dry skillet until fragrant. Remove seeds and stems, then soak in hot water for 20 minutes.
    4 chilies, 4 chilies, 2 chilies
  • In the same skillet, toast sesame seeds, almonds, peanuts, raisins, and pumpkin seeds until golden brown.
    1/4 cup sesame seeds, 1/4 cup almonds, 1/4 cup peanuts, 1/4 cup raisins, 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
  • Heat the lard or oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent.
    1/4 cup lard, 1 onion, 3 cloves garlic
  • Add tomatoes, plantain, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and coriander. Cook until the tomatoes are soft.
    2 tomatoes, 1 plantain, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • Transfer the soaked chilies, toasted seeds and nuts, and the tomato mixture to a blender. Add chicken broth and blend until smooth.
    2 cups chicken broth
  • Return the sauce to the pot, add chocolate, and simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
    2 ounces chocolate
  • Season with salt to taste.
    Salt to taste
  • Serve the mole sauce over cooked chicken pieces.
    6 pieces chicken

Notes

Mole Poblano is traditionally served with rice and tortillas.
The sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition

Calories: 1850kcalCarbohydrates: 238gProtein: 52gFat: 96gSaturated Fat: 22gPolyunsaturated Fat: 27gMonounsaturated Fat: 40gTrans Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 1948mgPotassium: 4605mgFiber: 36gSugar: 124gVitamin A: 8857IUVitamin C: 730mgCalcium: 761mgIron: 20mg
Keyword Mexican Cuisine, Mole Poblano, Rich Flavor, Traditional

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Mole Poblano is a quintessential dish that epitomizes the rich and complex flavors of Mexican cuisine. This iconic sauce features a harmonious blend of dried chilies, chocolate, and a variety of spices, creating a depth of flavor that is both sweet and savory. Each bite offers a journey through layers of taste, showcasing the intricate balance that defines traditional mole. Often served over chicken or turkey, this dish is a beloved family favorite that evokes memories of gatherings and celebrations. The preparation of mole is truly a labor of love, requiring time and care to achieve the perfect blend of ingredients. The result is a deeply satisfying dish that highlights the culinary heritage cherished in Mexican culture. Mole Poblano not only delights the palate but also serves as a reminder of the warmth and richness of home-cooked meals.

A plate of grilled tofu with cherry tomatoes, broccoli, and pine nuts, garnished with a mint leaf, on a bed of green lettuce.
Eat healthier with Ease

Top Rated by Home Cooks

Our Favorite Culinary Kitchen AI Tools

See why home cooks love CookbookAI! Discover how our tools are transforming kitchens with real stories and feedback from our users.

A woman in an apron smiles while using a tablet in a kitchen. Fresh vegetables, including tomatoes and lettuce, are on the counter.

Related Recipes

Leave the first comment

Recipe Rating