There’s something truly heartwarming about the smell of chili and chocolate simmering together—reminding me of vibrant markets in Mexico and the kitchens brimming with tradition. If you’ve ever been intrigued by the rich, complex flavors of mole but felt daunted by its reputation for being tricky to make, you’re in for a delightful surprise. My Simple Mole Sencillo recipe whittles down the intricacies to just ten accessible ingredients, allowing any home cook to recreate this iconic sauce without all the fuss.
This vibrant mole boasts a velvety smooth texture and an irresistible smoky-sweet-hot aroma that will elevate anything it touches. It’s perfect for those who wish to infuse their meals with the essence of Mexican cuisine, all while enjoying a quick and adaptable cooking experience. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight staple or a dish to impress friends at your next gathering, this simple yet flavorful mole is bound to impress. Let’s dive into the world of flavors and textures!
Why is Mole Sencillo a Must-Try?
Adaptable Ingredients: This recipe encourages creativity—substitute nuts and chiles based on your pantry!
Quick Preparation: With just 10 ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious sauce in no time.
Vegan Friendly: Simply swap lard for oil, making it approachable for everyone.
Flavor Bomb: Rich chocolate and smoky chiles create a symphony of taste that elevates any dish.
Crowd Pleaser: Impress family and friends with an authentic taste without the complexity.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this mole fits right in!
Mole Sencillo Ingredients
• Discover the essentials for an easy, delicious mole!
For the Sauce
- Chiles – Adds heat and depth of flavor; substitute guajillo or pasilla chiles for milder heat.
- Nuts – Provides richness and texture; substitute peanuts or pecans based on preference.
- Seeds – Contributes to the mole’s body; chia or flax seeds can be used interchangeably.
- Onion – Enhances savory flavor; green onions or shallots could be alternatives.
- Tomato – Adds acidity and sweetness; use canned tomatoes if fresh are unavailable.
- Lard – Adds richness and a meaty flavor; for a vegan option, swap with a neutral oil like canola.
- Sugar – Balances heat with sweetness; honey or agave nectar can substitute.
- Chocolate – Offers depth with a hint of sweetness; dark chocolate provides the most intense flavor.
- Salt – Enhances all flavors; adjust to taste.
- Water (or low-sodium chicken stock) – Provides necessary moisture; vegetable stock may boost flavor for a vegan option.
How to Make Mole Sencillo
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Char Vegetables: Line a skillet with foil, heat over high, and roast the tomato and onion for 12-14 minutes until charred and fragrant; set aside to cool and deepen the flavor.
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Fry Chiles and Nuts: In the same skillet, heat the lard, then fry the chiles for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Follow up by adding animal crackers, almonds, raisins, sesame seeds, and anise, frying until the almonds brown and the raisins puff (1-2 minutes). Transfer this mixture to a bowl.
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Cook Mixture: In that same pot, toss in salt, sugar, and the water or stock. Stir in your charred vegetables and fried chiles. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and simmer until the chiles and almonds are tender—about 30 minutes. Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes off heat.
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Blend: Carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, envisioning the rich texture your mole will soon become.
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Re-Fry Mole: Heat the remaining lard in the skillet, pour in the blended mole, and cook while stirring for around 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Stir in the chocolate until melted, tasting and adjusting the seasoning as needed.
Optional: Top with chopped cilantro for an added fresh touch.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Mole Sencillo preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time during the week! You can char the vegetables and fry the chiles and nuts up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them in an airtight container to maintain their flavors. Additionally, you can blend the mole sauce and store it for up to 3 days in the fridge, and for optimal texture, allow it to come to room temperature before re-frying. When you’re ready to serve, just follow the reheating instructions—heat a bit of lard in a skillet, pour in the blended mole, and cook until thickened, stirring in chocolate until melted. This ensures your Mole Sencillo is just as delicious and rich as if made fresh!
How to Store and Freeze Mole Sencillo
Fridge: Store your Mole Sencillo in an airtight container for up to 1 week. This allows the flavors to deepen and become even more delicious!
Freezer: For longer preservation, freeze the mole sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Portion it out for easy use in future meals.
Reheating: Thaw your frozen mole overnight in the fridge. Reheat gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or stock for desired consistency.
Mole Sencillo Variations
Feel free to let your creativity shine by customizing this mole recipe to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs!
- Chili Variety: Choose between different chiles like ancho for sweetness or chipotle for smokiness—a fun way to play with heat levels.
- Nut-Free: For a lighter version, skip the nuts altogether or use sunflower seeds; you’ll still enjoy a rich texture without the allergens.
- Herb Burst: Add fresh herbs like cilantro or oregano for a herbal twist that brightens the overall flavor profile.
- Spice Blend: Incorporate spices such as smoked paprika or cumin for an exciting depth of flavor; they pair beautifully with the chocolate tones.
- Sweet Twist: Swap sugar for maple syrup to add a unique sweetness that complements the savory elements exceptionally well.
- Creamy Texture: Stir in a splash of coconut cream or cashew cream right before serving for a delightful richness and a hint of tropical flavor.
- Heat Index: Boost the spice level by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a few drops of hot sauce if you’d like an extra kick!
- Chocolate Variance: Experiment with different types of chocolate, like milk or even spicy chocolate, for exciting flavor surprises that reflect your palate.
What to Serve with Mole Sencillo?
Let’s create an unforgettable dining experience that showcases the wonderful depth of flavors in this exquisite sauce!
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Grilled Chicken: Juicy chicken pairs beautifully, allowing the rich mole to soak in and enhance every bite.
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Savory Rice: Fluffy Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice provides a nice balance, soaking up the mole’s sumptuous goodness.
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Roasted Vegetables: Colorful, caramelized veggies bring freshness and a hint of sweetness, complementing the sauce’s smoky-spicy notes.
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Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips invite you to dip into the thick, luscious mole, making for an irresistible appetizer.
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Black Bean Tacos: Pairing with black bean tacos adds a hearty element, marrying the textures and flavors in every mouthful.
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Fresh Corn Salad: A refreshing corn salad with lime and cilantro brings a crisp and vibrant counterbalance, brightening the meal.
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Creamy Avocado: Slices of creamy avocado offer a cooling contrast to the mole’s heat and richness, making each bite luxurious.
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Chilled Margarita: A tangy margarita complements the flavors and frostiness creates a delightful contrast.
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Chocoflan for Dessert: For a sweet finish, classic chocoflan enhances the meal with silky textures reflecting the chocolate notes within the mole.
Expert Tips for Mole Sencillo
- Temperature Control: Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the nuts while frying; burnt nuts can impart a bitter taste to your mole.
- Blending in Batches: If your blender struggles, blend in smaller batches to achieve that silky, smooth texture that makes the mole truly special.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your mole at different stages; this allows you to fine-tune the balance of flavors, ensuring a delightful end result.
- Let it Rest: Allow the blended mole to rest for a few minutes before refrying; this helps to mellow and merge the flavors beautifully.
- Storage Secrets: Store any leftover mole in an airtight container; it develops richer flavors after sitting in the fridge for a day! Enjoy this versatile mole Sencillo over various dishes.
Mole Sencillo Recipe FAQs
What type of chiles should I use for Mole Sencillo?
Absolutely! For a classic taste, guajillo or pasilla chiles are excellent choices, offering a balance of heat and flavor. If you prefer something milder, feel free to substitute with California or New Mexico chiles instead.
How should I store leftovers of Mole Sencillo?
You can store your Mole Sencillo in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. This not only helps preserve its freshness but also enhances the flavors as they meld together over time.
Can I freeze Mole Sencillo?
Yes, you can freeze your Mole Sencillo for up to 3 months! To do this, pour the cooled mole into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop.
What should I do if my mole is too thick?
No worries! If you’ve found your mole is too thick, simply add a splash of water or low-sodium chicken or vegetable stock while reheating. Stir it in gradually until you achieve your desired consistency; it should be smooth and velvety!
Is Mole Sencillo suitable for vegan diets?
Most definitely! To make your Mole Sencillo vegan, simply substitute lard with a neutral oil like canola or coconut oil. The rest of the ingredients are naturally vegan-friendly, allowing everyone to enjoy this flavorful sauce.
How can I ensure my mole has the best flavor?
To achieve the richest flavor, taste your mole at each stage of preparation. Adjust salt and sugar as needed, and don’t hesitate to let it rest for a few minutes after blending. This resting period allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the overall taste. Enjoy the journey of flavors!
Quick and Easy Mole Sencillo: Elevate Your Mexican Cooking
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Char Vegetables: Line a skillet with foil, heat over high, and roast the tomato and onion for 12-14 minutes until charred and fragrant; set aside to cool and deepen the flavor.
- Fry Chiles and Nuts: In the same skillet, heat the lard, then fry the chiles for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add nuts, frying until the almonds brown and the raisins puff (1-2 minutes). Transfer this mixture to a bowl.
- Cook Mixture: Toss in salt, sugar, and the water or stock. Stir in your charred vegetables and fried chiles. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce the heat, and simmer for about 30 minutes. Let the mixture rest for 20 minutes off heat.
- Blend: Transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth and creamy.
- Re-Fry Mole: Heat the remaining lard in the skillet, pour in the blended mole, and cook while stirring for around 10 minutes until thickened. Stir in the chocolate until melted, adjusting seasoning as needed.