Recreating Frida Kahlo's Oaxacan Black Mole
Recipe Overview
Overview
The process of recreating Frida Kahlo’s Oaxacan Black Mole is nothing short of an adventure in flavor. This dish is a testament to the beauty of traditional Mexican cooking, where every ingredient plays a crucial role in the final product. The combination of various dried chilies, nuts, and spices creates a sauce that is both rich and complex, making it a standout dish for any occasion.
As the ingredients come together, the toasting of nuts and seeds adds a layer of depth that is hard to replicate. The careful balance of sweetness from the chocolate and the heat from the chilies is what makes this mole truly special. Watching the transformation from raw ingredients to a beautifully blended sauce is a culinary experience that showcases the art of cooking.
This mole is not just a sauce; it’s a celebration of flavors that can elevate any dish it accompanies. Whether served over chicken or as a dip, it brings a taste of Mexico to your table. The intricate flavors and textures make it a dish worth mastering, and once you do, it will surely become a favorite in your kitchen.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Toast a mix of dried chilies (Morita, Ancho, Guajillo) to enhance their flavor.
Tip: Toast chilies to enhance their flavor before rehydrating.
Place chicken in the oven to cook.
Tip: Use white onion for a classic Mexican flavor in the sauce.
Chop white onion and garlic for the aromatic base.
Tip: Cook the tomato puree until the fat separates for better flavor.
Grind cumin, coriander, and Mexican oregano.
Blend toasted peanuts and sesame seeds before adding chilies.
Add the aromatic base to the blended chili mixture.
Add more cocoa powder, sugar, and peanuts to balance the sauce.
Tip: Add sugar to balance the heat and enhance sweetness in the sauce.
Tip: Scalding the sauce can deepen and meld the flavors.
Heat a new pot of oil and add the chili puree to deepen flavors.
Tip: Blister tomatoes and garlic for added depth in flavor.
Transfer blistered vegetables to the blender.
Tip: Use Mexican chocolate for a richer flavor profile.
Add whole sesame seeds to the sauce mixture.
Present the final dish of chicken mole for tasting.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Nuts
→ Substitution: Sunflower Seeds
Ingredient: Sesame
→ Substitution: Pumpkin Seeds
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Mole is a traditional Mexican sauce known for its complex flavor profile, often incorporating chocolate.
- •The use of various dried chilies, such as ancho and guajillo, is essential for achieving the depth of flavor in mole.
- •Toasting nuts and seeds enhances their flavor and contributes to the sauce's richness.
- •Mole can vary significantly in ingredients and preparation methods depending on the region in Mexico.
