Seriously Meatless: Mole Aproximado Recipe

Name: Seriously Meatless: Mole Aproximado Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 dried ancho chiles or a mixture of ancho and pasilla; 4 cloves garlic; 1 large tomato, cored and halved; 2 slices bread, toasted and cubed; 1 small onion, diced; 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried); 1 pinch of cloves; 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 heaping tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder; Salt; 1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (bitter orange if you happen to have it); 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Servings: persons

8 dried ancho chiles or a mixture of ancho and pasilla
4 cloves garlic
1 large tomato, cored and halved
2 slices bread, toasted and cubed
1 small onion, diced
1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried)
1 pinch of cloves
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 heaping tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Salt
1/4 cup fresh squeezed orange juice (bitter orange if you happen to have it)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil

1
Remove the stems, seeds and ribs from the chile peppers. You might want to wear rubber gloves for this. Cover them with boiling water and weight them so they stay underwater. Leave to soak for 30 minutes while you prepare everything else.
2
In a hot, dry skillet, cook the garlic cloves and tomato for about 5 minutes, turning a couple of times.
3
Drain the chiles, reserving the soaking water. In a blender, combine the chiles with the garlic, tomato, bread, onion, oregano, cloves, cinnamon, black pepper, sugar, salt and cocoa power, orange juice and 1/2 cup of the chile soaking water. Puree very thoroughly, adding more liquid as necessary until you have about 3 1/2 cups. Strain.
4
Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over a medium flame. Pour in the mole, and simmer for about 30 minutes, lightly covered. The sauce should darken and become more concentrated.
5
Taste and adjust the seasonings. Can you taste the various herbs and spices? The chocolate? The chiles? Is there a bit of acid and enough salt? Aim for a complex, balanced flavor. Also add a little more liquid or simmer a bit longer to get a pleasing saucy texture, like a thick tomato sauce.

171

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a deeper, more caramel-like flavor.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 8 dried ancho chiles or a mixture of ancho and pasilla, 4 cloves garlic, 1 large tomato, cored and halved, 2 slices bread, toasted and cubed, and more.

Yes, Seriously Meatless: Mole Aproximado Recipe falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!