Mole

Mole sauce, much like barbecue sauce in the United States, is a rich and complex culinary treasure with regional variations that make each recipe unique. No two mole sauces are exactly the same, as they reflect the diverse flavors and traditions of different Mexican regions. This recipe provides a delicious base for making mole sauce, and you can customize it to your liking. Whether you enjoy it as a sauce for enchiladas, a marinade for meats, or a flavorful addition to Mexican dishes, mole sauce is sure to tantalize your taste buds.

Yields 2 cups

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 chipotles in adobo, seeded and minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 4 cups Vegetable Broth
• 1 ounce vegan dark chocolate, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a sauté pan over medium heat, add the olive oil, finely diced onion, and minced garlic. Sauté them for approximately 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the mixture is aromatic. This initial step infuses the oil with the flavors of onion and garlic.
2. Add Spices: To the sautéed mixture, add the ground cumin, ground cinnamon, and ground coriander. Sauté for an additional 1 minute to toast the spices, releasing their fragrant oils.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the sautéed onion and spice mixture to a 4-quart slow cooker.
4. Add Seasonings and Chocolate: To the slow cooker, add the chili powder, minced chipotles (for smokiness and heat), and salt. Whisk in the Vegetable Broth to combine all the ingredients. Finally, add the chopped vegan dark chocolate, which adds richness and depth to the mole sauce.
5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook over medium heat for 2 hours. This cooking process allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a velvety and flavorful mole sauce.

Once your mole sauce is ready, you can use it in a variety of dishes to infuse them with its distinctive flavor profile. Whether you choose to serve it with enchiladas, use it as a marinade for meats, or incorporate it into your favorite Mexican dishes, mole sauce is a culinary masterpiece that’s bound to delight your taste buds.

Mole sauce, with its intricate flavors and rich history, is a testament to the diverse and vibrant culinary traditions of Mexico. Just like barbecue sauce in the United States, the variations in mole recipes across different regions make it an ever-evolving and endlessly captivating sauce. Whether you savor it as a key element in your favorite Mexican dishes or explore its versatility in international cuisine, mole sauce is a culinary treasure that brings a world of flavors to your plate. Enjoy the journey of discovering and savoring this complex and delightful sauce.