Enchiladas de Mole
Chicken enchiladas covered in a rich and complex mole sauce.
Nutrition Facts
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Paloma Blanca Mexican Cuisine
Mole, the base sauce for enchiladas de mole, has roots in pre-Hispanic Mexico, where indigenous peoples created complex sauces using chili peppers, spices, and seeds. These sauces evolved over time, incorporating European ingredients like nuts and chocolate after the Spanish conquest.
Enchiladas de Mole, particularly Mole Poblano, are more than just food; they are deeply ingrained in Mexican culture, often associated with celebrations, special occasions, and family gatherings. They represent hospitality, tradition, and the rich culinary heritage of Mexico.
Celebratory Dish
Mole Poblano, in particular, is often served at weddings, baptisms, quinceañeras, and other significant life events, signifying abundance and good fortune.
Family Tradition
Mole recipes are often passed down through generations, each family having their own unique twist and secrets to the sauce. Making mole can be a multi-day affair involving the entire family.
Regional Pride
Different regions of Mexico have their own variations of mole, reflecting the local ingredients and culinary preferences. Mole Poblano from Puebla is perhaps the most well-known, but other types like Mole Negro from Oaxaca are also highly regarded.
Enchiladas de Mole offer a complex and balanced flavor profile that combines savory, sweet, spicy, and slightly bitter notes.
The mole sauce itself is the star, typically featuring a blend of chili peppers (such as ancho, pasilla, and guajillo), nuts (like almonds or peanuts), seeds (sesame, pumpkin), spices (cinnamon, cloves), chocolate (usually Mexican chocolate), and often dried fruits or plantains. The chicken filling adds a savory element, while the toppings like queso fresco and onions provide freshness and texture. The overall experience is a layered symphony of flavors that is both comforting and exciting.
Mole Preparation Time
Mole sauce takes a significant amount of time to prepare. Consider making the mole sauce a day or two in advance. This allows the flavors to meld together even more deeply.
Adjusting the Spice Level
The spice level of mole can be adjusted by using different types of chili peppers or by removing the seeds and veins from the peppers before cooking. Taste the mole sauce frequently and adjust accordingly.
Toasting Ingredients
Toasting the nuts, seeds, and spices before grinding them enhances their flavor and adds depth to the mole sauce. Be careful not to burn them.
Quality of Chocolate
Use good quality Mexican chocolate for the best flavor. Look for chocolate that is specifically made for mole, as it often contains spices like cinnamon and almonds.
Tortilla Preparation
Lightly fry the tortillas before filling them with chicken and dipping them in mole. This will prevent them from becoming soggy and will add a pleasant texture.
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