Easy Mole Recipe

My grandma made this EASY mole recipe each time there was a birthday or celebration. It’s rich, tasty, and full of flavor.

Years later, I found this exact same recipe published in an 1980s newspaper clippings from Durango, Mexico where my family is from.

It was entitled “Mole Rojo estilo Norteno” with an annotation, “como en Durango.” Translation: “like in Durango.”

I had to publish it in English for my fellow Duranguenses and for those who think making this sauce is too complicated. Not at all … Think again!!

More Mole Recipes:

Pipian Verde (Green Mole)
Chicken Mole Tamales
Chicken Mole Enchiladas

Ingredients

• Olive Oil (or lard)
• Dried Chile Ancho
• piece of bolillo
• garlic
• onion
• Tomatoes
• cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Mexican chocolate
• tablespoon sugar (if necessary)

This is NOT mole poblano. It’s NOT Dona Maria either.

Unlike many mole recipes, this recipe does not require many ingredients or hours to make.

Please note that I changed the original recipe slightly.

In the traditional recipe, the ingredients are fried in lard. Instead, we are going to roast and toast on a skillet.

How to Make It

• Start by roasting the tomatoes and toasting the anchos.
• The ancho chile only take 1 minute on each side.
• Remove the ancho chile and set aside.

Don’t go far. If the anchos burn, it will make the sauce bitter.

Make sure all the sides are charred on the tomatoes before removing.

You can also roast the tomatoes in the oven. Roast for 7 minutes under the broiler. Turn and roast for 5 more minutes.

• Add the onion, garlic, and bread.
• Roast until charred.

Pro Tips:

Roast garlic with the skin on. The skin will separate faster from the garlic clove.
Spread out the onion so to get all the onion roasted.

FYI: You only need a small piece of bread. Any bread will do. You can even use day old bread.

• Cut off the stem.
• Cut lengthwise.
• Remove as many of the seeds as possible.
• Set aside. Repeat with all the dried chiles.

You might not be able to get all the seeds out. That’s ok!

We’re going to strain the sauce later, and that’s when we’ll remove any larger bits that the blender didn’t get.

How long does it take to make a mole?
It really depends on the type of mole you’re making. The most well-known type is mole poblano, and that can take up to 6 hours to make. This EASY mole recipe from my grandmother is made in under 30 minutes.

• Place the chiles in boiling water.
• Turn off the stove and let them sit for 5-7 minutes.

As long as they are pliable. That’s what you’re looking for.

What does mole taste like?
Mole tastes spicy but without the heat. It’s thick and rich. The sauce is loaded with BIG flavors.

• Add the chiles and the roasted ingredients into a blender.
• Add water and blend until smooth.

Is Mole healthy to eat?
Mole has a lot of calories, but it’s packed with good stuff like Vitamin B, riboflavin, phosphorus, iron, calcium, niacin, and zinc.

• Heat oil in a stock pot.
• Add a strainer over the pot.
• Strain the sauce into the pot.

Stand back! It will splatter on you. Do this little by little until the entire sauce is added.

Using a cooking spoon push the sauce into the pot.

Note: If you are using a stored sauce that is cold, add a splash of water and mix with a spoon to get it going.

• Add chicken broth and Mexican chocolate tablet.
• Stir until the chocolate melts.

From here, either store the sauce into jars or use.

How to Use:

Add the mole paste and 2 cups of chicken broth to a stock pot. Mix and bring to a simmer. Add cooked chicken or turkey. It’s ready when the chicken is fully heated.

Does all Mole have chocolate?
No. This recipe includes chocolate, but not all moles use chocolate such as green mole (pipian verde), mole blanco (also called mole de novia), mole rosa (a traditional dish from Taxco, Guerrero), and several others.

How Long Does It Last?

Prepared mole with chicken lasts only 5 days. The sauce itself that is stored in jars can last up to 6 months in the fridge.

This Easy Mole Recipe is what every Mexican food lover needs. A RICH, delicious, and chocolatey sauce that’s ready in under 30 minutes!! Serve with chicken and rice.

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