Rick Bayless Beginner's Mole

chicken

🥗Healthier: turkey

💰Cheaper: chicken thighs

Turkey is leaner and lower in calories; chicken thighs are more affordable than breasts.

mole sauce

🥗Healthier: homemade mole with less sugar

💰Cheaper: store-bought mole

Homemade mole can be made healthier with less sugar, while store-bought options can save time.

Clean the dried chilies by removing the stem and seeds, then tear them into four pieces.

Heat a heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.

Add 3 tablespoons of fresh rendered pork lard to the pot.

Add the torn chilies, 2 cloves of garlic (peeled but whole), and 1/2 small onion to the pot.

Toast the chilies, garlic, and onion for about 5 minutes until the chilies turn a lighter brown color and the onion and garlic soften.

Transfer the toasted mixture into a blender jar.

Add about 1.5 cups of chicken stock to the blender with the toasted chilies, garlic, and onion.

Let the mixture soak for a few minutes to soften further before blending.

In the same pot, add almonds and sesame seeds to toast for about a minute, stirring continuously.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens