Molé Poblano is a complex sauce that combines various flavors, textures, and spices, making it one of the most iconic dishes of Mexico. Its origin dates back to the 16th century, when a group of nuns created a special dish for the visiting Archbishop using ingredients such as chili peppers, chocolate, and spices. The sauce is made using a variety of ingredients, including dried chilies, tomatoes, sesame seeds, peanuts, and Mexican chocolate. The preparation of Molé Poblano sauce involves four main steps: preparing the chilies and tomatoes, blending the ingredients, cooking the sauce, and serving it over chicken, turkey, beef, pork, or vegetables.

Molé Poblano: The Spicy Heart of Mexican Cuisine

Introduction

Molé Poblano is one of the most iconic dishes of Mexico. It’s a complex sauce that combines a myriad of flavors, textures, and spices. With its origins in the state of Puebla, Molé Poblano has become a staple of Mexican cuisine with the ability to add depth and richness to all kinds of dishes. But where did Molé Poblano come from? What are its ingredients? And most importantly, how can you make it at home? This step-by-step guide will answer all these questions and more.

History

Molé Poblano dates back to the 16th century, when the Spanish conquered Mexico. According to legend, a group of nuns in the Convent of Santa Rosa de Lima in Puebla wanted to create a special dish for the visiting Archbishop. They gathered various ingredients they had such as chili peppers, chocolate, and spices, and mixed them together to create a sauce. The dish was an instant hit and has been known as Molé Poblano since then.

Ingredients

The ingredients you’ll need to make Molé Poblano sauce are:

• 6 to 8 plum tomatoes
• 6 dried ancho chilies
• 3 dried California chili peppers
• 3 dried pasilla chilies
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds
• 1/4 cup almonds
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• 4 cloves of garlic, peeled
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1/4 cup of raisins
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 2 tablespoons of dried oregano
• 2 dried bay leaves
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground allspice
• 3 ounces of Mexican chocolate
• Salt (to taste)

Steps to prepare

The preparation of Molé Poblano sauce can be divided into four main steps:

Step 1: Prepare the chilies and tomatoes

Take the dried chilies and remove the seeds, stem, and veins. Toast them in a dry pan until they release their aroma. Transfer them to a bowl with hot water and let them soak for 30 minutes.

Cut the tomatoes in half and roast them in a skillet or griddle until the skin blackens. Once roasted, remove the skin and set aside.

Step 2: Blend together the ingredients.

Heat the vegetable oil in a pan and fry the sesame seeds, almonds, peanuts, garlic, onion, raisins, and spices for a few minutes.

Blend the roasted tomatoes, soaked chilies, and fried ingredients into a smooth sauce. Add water if needed to reach the desired consistency.

Step 3: Cook the sauce

Add the sauce to a pot and cook over low heat for at least an hour, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking to the bottom. The sauce should thicken and become glossy.

Grate the Mexican chocolate and add it to the sauce. Let it melt and incorporate it into the sauce.

Step 4: Serve

Once the sauce is ready, it’s time to serve it. Molé Poblano is a versatile sauce that can be used in many ways. Traditionally, Molé Poblano is served over chicken or turkey, but it can also be poured over beef, pork, or vegetables.

Conclusion

Molé Poblano is a special dish with deep roots in Mexico’s history and culture. Making this sauce might seem like a daunting task, but following these simple steps will help you create a delicious and authentic Molé Poblano that is sure to impress your friends and family. Whether you’re looking to add a touch of Mexico to your next meal or just want to indulge in one of Mexico’s most iconic dishes, Molé Poblano is a perfect choice.