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1
Make the chicken In a large pot, bring 2 quarts of water to a boil.
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2
Add the chicken pieces and backbone, onion, garlic and salt and return to a simmer.
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3
Cover and cook over low heat until the chicken is white throughout, about 20 minutes.
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4
Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover to keep warm.
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5
Simmer the broth to concentrate the flavor, about 30 minutes.
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6
Strain the broth; discard the solids, including the chicken backbone.
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7
Make the mole In a large cast-iron skillet, heat 1/4 cup of the lard.
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8
Add the chiles and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until toasted, about 2 minutes.
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9
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the chiles to a medium saucepan and cover with water.
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10
Bring to a boil and simmer until softened, 10 minutes; drain the chiles and transfer to a blender.
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11
Make the mole Add the tomatoes to the skillet cut side down and cook over moderate heat until lightly caramelized, 3 minutes per side.
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12
Transfer to the blender.
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13
Wipe out the skillet.
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14
Make the mole Heat 1 tablespoon of the lard in the skillet.
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15
Add the onion and garlic and cook over moderate heat, stirring, until softened and golden, about 5 minutes.
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16
Add the chile seeds, raisins, oregano, cumin, thyme, coriander and peppercorns.
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17
Cook, stirring, until very fragrant, about 3 minutes.
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18
Scrape the mixture into the blender.
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19
Add the tomatillos, peanut butter, almond butter, tahini, salt, 1 1/2 tablespoons of the sugar and 1 1/2 cups of water and puree until thick and smooth.
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20
Strain the mole sauce into a large bowl.
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21
Make the mole Wipe out the skillet and heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of lard.
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22
Add 2 cups of the mole sauce and 2 cups of the chicken broth (reserve the remaining mole and broth for another use).
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23
Bring to a simmer over low heat, whisking constantly.
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24
Whisk in the chocolate and the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar until melted.
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25
Cover and cook, whisking, until the mole has thickened and the flavors have melded, about 15 minutes.
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26
Add the chicken and cook until warmed through, about 5 minutes.
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27
Transfer the chicken and mole to a serving platter and garnish with sesame seeds.
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28
Serve warm.