Description
Authentic Mole Sauce is a rich and complex Mexican sauce blending dried chilies, Mexican chocolate, spices, nuts, seeds, tomatoes, and broth to create a deeply satisfying balance of sweet, savory, and mildly spicy flavors. Perfect for chicken, enchiladas, roasted vegetables, and more, this homemade recipe connects you to centuries of Mexican culinary tradition while offering versatility and gourmet-level taste made accessible at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Dried Chilies
- 3 Guajillo dried chilies
- 3 Pasilla dried chilies
- 3 Ancho dried chilies
Chocolate and Sweetener
- 1 oz Mexican chocolate
- 1 tablespoon sugar or honey (adjust to taste)
Spices
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 cloves
- 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
Nuts and Seeds
- 1/4 cup toasted almonds
- 2 tablespoons toasted pumpkin seeds
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium tomatoes (fresh or roasted)
- 2 tomatillos (fresh or roasted)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
Liquids
- 2 cups chicken broth or vegetable broth
Instructions
- Prepare and Toast the Chilies: Remove the stems and seeds from the dried Guajillo, Pasilla, and Ancho chilies to avoid bitterness. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes, to enhance their smoky aroma and flavor.
- Soak the Chilies: Place the toasted chilies in warm water and soak for 20 to 30 minutes until softened, making them easier to blend smoothly.
- Toast Nuts, Seeds, and Spices: In the same dry skillet, carefully toast the almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, cinnamon stick, cloves, and cumin seeds until fragrant and lightly browned to release their essential oils and maximize flavor.
- Cook Aromatics: Sauté the finely chopped onion and garlic in a bit of oil over medium heat until soft and fragrant, forming the savory base of the sauce.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked chilies (drained), toasted nuts, seeds, spices, sautéed onion and garlic, tomatoes, tomatillos, and Mexican chocolate. Add the broth gradually while blending until you achieve a smooth, velvety texture.
- Simmer and Season: Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and simmer gently over low to medium heat for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding salt, sugar, or extra spices as desired.
- Final Touches: For a smooth finish, strain the sauce through a fine sieve. Alternatively, serve it as-is for a more rustic texture. Enjoy your homemade Authentic Mole Sauce warm.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Toast and soak chilies and nuts ahead of time to save cooking day effort.
- Balance Flavors: Taste frequently while simmering and adjust sweetness, salt, and heat for perfect harmony.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic, onions, and herbs enhance the flavor noticeably.
- Don’t Rush Toasting: Proper toasting of spices and chilies unlocks deep flavor layers.
- Serve Warm: Mole tastes best warm or at room temperature, never cold.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Sauces
- Method: Sautéing, Toasting, Blending, Simmering
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Authentic Mole Sauce, Mexican sauce, mole poblano, mole recipe, homemade mole, Mexican chocolate sauce, rich mole, traditional mole, gluten free sauce