Authentic Mexican Dinner Mole Recipes

Mexican cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its rich flavors, vibrant colors, and diverse ingredients. Among its most iconic dishes is mole, a complex sauce that varies from region to region, often featuring chocolate, chili peppers, spices, and nuts. If you are looking to create an authentic Mexican dinner at home, these mole recipes will delight your palate and impress your guests.

1. Traditional Mole Poblano

Mole Poblano is perhaps the most famous type of mole, hailing from Puebla. This rich sauce is often served over turkey or chicken and is characterized by its deep chocolate flavor.

Ingredients:

  • 4 dried ancho chiles
  • 2 dried pasilla chiles
  • 2 dried mulato chiles
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
  • 1/4 cup blanched almonds
  • 1/2 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1/4 tsp cloves
  • 2 tortillas, torn into pieces
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 bar (3.5 oz) dark chocolate, chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Chicken or turkey pieces

Instructions:

  1. Toast the dried chiles in a skillet until fragrant. Remove stems and seeds.
  2. In the same skillet, toast the sesame seeds and almonds until golden.
  3. In a blender, combine the chiles, nuts, onion, garlic, spices, tortillas, and vegetable broth. Blend until smooth.
  4. In a large pot, cook the chicken or turkey until browned. Pour the mole sauce over the meat, add the chocolate, and simmer for about 30 minutes until thickened. Serve with rice and enjoy!

2. Mole Verde (Green Mole)

Mole Verde is a fresh, herbaceous version of mole that incorporates tomatillos, green chiles, and fresh herbs. It pairs wonderfully with pork or chicken.

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb tomatillos, husked and rinsed
  • 3 green chiles (like jalapeños or serranos), roasted and peeled
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley
  • 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds (pepitas)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt to taste
  • Pork or chicken pieces

Instructions:

  1. Boil tomatillos until soft. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a blender, combine tomatillos, roasted chiles, cilantro, parsley, pumpkin seeds, garlic, and salt. Blend until smooth.
  3. In a large pan, heat olive oil and brown the meat. Pour the mole verde over the meat and cook for 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
  4. Serve with warm tortillas and fresh avocado slices for a delicious meal.

3. Mole Rojo (Red Mole)

Mole Rojo offers a bolder flavor profile, often featuring a combination of dried chiles and spices. It's commonly served with chicken or beef.

Ingredients:

  • 3 dried guajillo chiles
  • 3 dried chipotle chiles
  • 1/2 cup peanuts
  • 2 tomatoes, roasted
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, peeled
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • Salt to taste
  • Chicken or beef pieces

Instructions: