Discover the classic Mexican Mole Poblano with this authentic recipe. This rich, complex sauce blends the deep flavors of dried chilies, rich chocolate, and an array of spices, creating a deliciously unique accompaniment to chicken or other meats. Perfect for special occasions or a flavorful weeknight dinner, Mole Poblano is a taste of true Mexican culinary tradition.

Ingredients:

- 6 dried mulato chilies

- 4 dried ancho chilies

- 2 dried pasilla chilies

- 1/4 cup sesame seeds

- 1/4 cup almonds

- 1/4 cup raisins

- 1 small onion, chopped

- 3 cloves garlic, minced

- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

- 1 cup tomato sauce

- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

- 1/4 cup sugar

- 2 cups chicken broth

- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

- 1/2 cup dark chocolate, chopped (or chocolate chips)

- Salt to taste

Instructions:

Prepare the Chilies:

  - Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chilies. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn them. Once toasted, place the chilies in a bowl of hot water and let them soak for 20 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Toast the Seeds and Nuts:

  - In the same skillet, toast the sesame seeds and almonds until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside with the raisins.

Cook the Aromatics:

  - Heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sauté the onion and garlic until softened and translucent, about 5 minutes.

Blend the Sauce:

  - In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, toasted sesame seeds, almonds, raisins, tomato sauce, cocoa powder, cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, cumin, and sugar. Blend until smooth. Add a little chicken broth if needed to help blend the mixture.

Simmer the Mole:

  - Pour the blended mixture into the saucepan with the cooked onion and garlic. Stir and cook over medium heat for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

6. Thicken the Sauce:

  - In a small bowl, mix the flour with a little chicken broth to form a paste. Stir the paste into the mole and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened.

Finish the Mole:

  - Add the chopped dark chocolate to the sauce and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Adjust the seasoning with salt to taste. 

Serve:

  - Serve the Mole Poblano over cooked chicken or your choice of meat. Enjoy this rich, flavorful sauce with rice or tortillas.

Feel free to adjust the spice level and sweetness to your preference. Enjoy the rich and complex flavors of this traditional Mexican dish!

Nutritional Values

Dried Mulato Chilies (per 100g):

  - Calories: 282

  - Carbohydrates: 53g

  - Protein: 12g

  - Fat: 7g

  - Fiber: 33g

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins A and C, and capsaicin, which has anti-inflammatory properties. Chilies can aid in digestion and boost metabolism.

Dried Ancho Chilies (per 100g):

  - Calories: 274

  - Carbohydrates: 63g

  - Protein: 10g

  - Fat: 6g

  - Fiber: 27g

Benefits: High in vitamins A and C, and also contains capsaicin. Ancho chilies help improve circulation and support the immune system.

Dried Pasilla Chilies (per 100g):

  - Calories: 277

  - Carbohydrates: 60g

  - Protein: 10g

  - Fat: 6g

  - Fiber: 26g

Benefits: Contains vitamins A, C, and E, as well as antioxidants. Pasilla chilies support digestive health and may have anti-inflammatory effects.

Sesame Seeds (per 100g):

  - Calories: 573

  - Carbohydrates: 23g

  - Protein: 18g

  - Fat: 50g

  - Fiber: 12g

Benefits: Excellent source of calcium, magnesium, and iron. Sesame seeds support bone health, cardiovascular health, and have antioxidant properties.

Almonds (per 100g):

  - Calories: 579

  - Carbohydrates: 22g

  - Protein: 21g

  - Fat: 49g

  - Fiber: 12g

Benefits: High in vitamin E, magnesium, and healthy fats. Almonds support heart health, brain function, and have antioxidant properties.

Raisins (per 100g):

  - Calories: 299

  - Carbohydrates: 79g

  - Protein: 3g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 4g

Benefits: Rich in iron, potassium, and antioxidants. Raisins support digestive health, iron levels, and provide quick energy.

Onion (per 100g):

  - Calories: 40

  - Carbohydrates: 9g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 1.7g

Benefits: Contains vitamins C and B6, and sulfur compounds. Onions support heart health, have anti-inflammatory properties, and improve digestion.

Garlic (per 100g):

  - Calories: 149

  - Carbohydrates: 33g

  - Protein: 6g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 2.1g

Benefits: High in allicin, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Garlic supports immune health, cardiovascular health, and may have cancer-fighting effects.

Tomato Sauce (per 100g):

  - Calories: 29

  - Carbohydrates: 7g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 1g

Benefits: Rich in lycopene, an antioxidant. Tomato sauce supports heart health and has been linked to a reduced risk of certain cancers.

Unsweetened Cocoa Powder (per 100g):

  - Calories: 228

  - Carbohydrates: 58g

  - Protein: 20g

  - Fat: 14g

  - Fiber: 33g

Benefits: High in antioxidants and flavonoids. Cocoa powder supports cardiovascular health, improves brain function, and has mood-enhancing properties.

Ground Cinnamon (per 100g):

  - Calories: 247

  - Carbohydrates: 81g

  - Protein: 4g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Fiber: 53g

Benefits: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties. Cinnamon supports blood sugar regulation and improves digestive health.

Ground Cloves (per 100g):

  - Calories: 274

  - Carbohydrates: 65g

  - Protein: 6g

  - Fat: 13g

  - Fiber: 33g

Benefits: Rich in antioxidants and eugenol. Cloves have antibacterial properties, support digestive health, and may aid in pain relief.

Black Pepper (per 100g):

  - Calories: 255

  - Carbohydrates: 64g

  - Protein: 10g

  - Fat: 3g

  - Fiber: 26g

Benefits: Contains piperine, which enhances nutrient absorption. Black pepper supports digestive health and has antioxidant properties.

Ground Cumin (per 100g):

  - Calories: 375

  - Carbohydrates: 44g

  - Protein: 18g

  - Fat: 20g

  - Fiber: 11g

Benefits: High in iron and antioxidants. Cumin supports digestion, improves immune function, and has anti-inflammatory effects.

Sugar (per 100g):

  - Calories: 387

  - Carbohydrates: 100g

  - Protein: 0g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

Benefits: Provides energy but should be consumed in moderation. Used in recipes to balance flavors.

Chicken Broth (per 100g):

  - Calories: 15

  - Carbohydrates: 1g

  - Protein: 1g

  - Fat: 0g

  - Fiber: 0g

Benefits: Provides essential nutrients and flavor. Chicken broth supports hydration and adds depth to dishes.

All-Purpose Flour (per 100g):

  - Calories: 364

  - Carbohydrates: 76g

  - Protein: 10g

  - Fat: 1g

  - Fiber: 2g

Benefits: Used as a thickening agent in sauces. Flour provides energy and helps achieve the desired consistency of the sauce.

Dark Chocolate (per 100g):

  - Calories: 546

  - Carbohydrates: 61g

  - Protein: 5g

  - Fat: 31g

  - Fiber: 7g

Benefits: High in antioxidants, iron, and magnesium. Dark chocolate supports heart health, improves mood, and enhances cognitive function.