5 Easy Steps To Prepare Chicken Mole: A Delicious And Healthy Dinner Option

Chicken mole is a traditional Mexican dish that has captivated taste buds for centuries. Its complex and flavorful sauce, made from a blend of spices, chiles, and chocolate, complements the tender chicken perfectly. Preparing chicken mole may seem daunting, but with the right ingredients and guidance, you can create this culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Selecting the Right Ingredients

The key to a perfect chicken mole lies in the quality of its ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs.
• Chiles: Choose a combination of dried chiles, such as ancho, pasilla, and guajillo, for a rich and smoky flavor.
• Spices: Ground cumin, coriander, cloves, and cinnamon add warmth and depth to the mole.
• Tomatoes: Use fresh, ripe tomatoes for a vibrant acidity.
• Chocolate: Dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 60% is essential for a rich, complex flavor.
• Other: Onion, garlic, chicken broth, and masa harina (corn flour) are also needed.

Preparing the Chiles

Before using the chiles, they must be rehydrated and toasted.

• Rehydrate: Remove the stems and seeds from the chiles and soak them in hot water for 30 minutes, or until softened.
• Toast: Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the chiles for a few minutes on each side, or until aromatic.

Making the Mole Sauce

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat oil in a large saucepan and sauté the onion and garlic until softened.
2. Add the Chiles: Drain the rehydrated chiles and add them to the saucepan. Sauté for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
3. Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, coriander, cloves, and cinnamon. Cook for 2 minutes, or until fragrant.
4. Add Tomatoes: Add the diced tomatoes and cook for 10 minutes, or until softened and slightly browned.
5. Puree the Sauce: Transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
6. Add Chocolate: Add the chopped dark chocolate and blend until melted and incorporated.
7. Thicken the Sauce: Stir in the masa harina until the sauce reaches the desired consistency.
8. Simmer: Return the sauce to the saucepan and simmer for 30 minutes, or until thickened and flavorful.

Preparing the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts or thighs with salt and pepper.
2. Brown the Chicken: Heat oil in a large skillet and brown the chicken on both sides.
3. Simmer in Mole: Transfer the chicken to a large pot and pour the mole sauce over it. Cover and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.

Serving Chicken Mole

Chicken mole is traditionally served over warm tortillas or rice. Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced onions, and sesame seeds for a vibrant presentation.

Variations

• Spicy Mole: Add more guajillo or ancho chiles to increase the heat level.
• Sweet Mole: Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to balance the spiciness.
• Vegetarian Mole: Omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead.

Tips

• Use a variety of chiles to create a complex flavor profile.
• Don’t overcook the chiles, as they can become bitter.
• If the mole sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth.
• Serve the mole with a side of tortillas or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

The Final Touch: A Culinary Triumph

Preparing chicken mole is a labor of love that rewards you with a culinary masterpiece. The complex flavors of the mole sauce, combined with the tender chicken, will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. So, gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary adventure that will take your taste buds to new heights.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use canned chiles instead of dried chiles?
A: Yes, but using dried chiles will give you a more intense flavor.

Q: How long can I store chicken mole?
A: Chicken mole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Q: What is a good substitute for masa harina?
A: You can use all-purpose flour or cornstarch as a substitute, but masa harina will give you a more authentic flavor and texture.