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1
In a medium bowl, cover all of the chile peppers with hot water.
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2
Let them stand for 30 minutes.
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3
Meanwhile, in a large skillet, combine the 1/3 cup of sesame seeds with the anise, cumin, coriander, cloves, peppercorns and cinnamon stick.
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4
Toast over moderately low heat, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
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5
Transfer to a spice grinder and let them cool completely.
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6
Grind the seeds and spices to a fine powder.
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7
In the same skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of the lard.
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8
Stir in the raisins, almonds, pumpkin seeds and tortilla.
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9
Cook the mixture over moderately low heat until the almonds are toasted and the raisins are plump, about 5 minutes.
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10
Transfer the contents of the skillet to a large bowl.
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11
Add the tomatoes to the skillet and cook, turning, until the skins are lightly blistered on all sides, about 12 minutes.
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12
Transfer the blistered tomatoes to the bowl.
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13
Add the garlic and onion to the skillet and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 8 minutes.
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14
Transfer the garlic and onions to the bowl and let cool.
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15
Empty the vegetables onto a work surface.
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16
Peel the garlic cloves and coarsely chop them along with the onions and tomatoes.
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17
Melt 1 tablespoon of the lard in the skillet.
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18
Stir in the chopped vegetables and the spice powder and cook over moderately high heat until warmed through, about 3 minutes.
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19
Add the drained chiles and the chicken stock, cover partially and simmer for 1 hour.
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20
Remove from the heat.
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21
Working in batches, transfer the contents of the skillet along with the chocolate to a blender and puree until smooth.
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22
Season the mole sauce with salt and pepper.
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23
Preheat the oven to 350.
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24
Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
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25
Melt the remaining 3 tablespoons of lard in a large, ovenproof skillet.
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26
Working in 2 batches, brown the chicken over high heat, turning once, about 10 minutes per batch.
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27
Pour the mole sauce over the chicken and bring to a simmer.
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28
Cover and braise in the oven until the meat is very tender, 1 hour.
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29
Transfer the chicken mole to a serving platter, garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and the cilantro and serve.