Best Easy Pavo en Mole Recipe

Turkey draped in rich mole sauce is the ultimate Mexican celebration dish. This high protein, family tradition meal is a fresh, complex masterpiece reserved for the most special occasions.

Cook 120 min Difficulty HARD 370 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bone-in turkey breast 3 lbs
  • white onion 1 pieces
  • garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • dried ancho chiles 3 pieces
  • dried pasilla chiles 2 pieces
  • dried mulato chiles 2 pieces
  • corn tortillas 2 pieces
  • almonds 0.25 cup
  • sesame seeds 2 tbsp
  • raisins 2 tbsp
  • Mexican chocolate 2 oz
  • chicken broth 2 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • vegetable oil 3 tbsp
  • ground cinnamon 1 tsp
  • ground cumin 1 tsp
  • dried oregano 1 tsp
  • salt 2 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 21 g 23%
Protein 34 g 37%
Fat 14 g 40%
Serving size 260g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    1. In a large stockpot, combine turkey breast, half of the onion (quartered), 2 garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon salt. Cover with water, bring to a simmer over medium heat, and cook for 45-60 minutes until the turkey is just cooked through. Remove the turkey, reserve 2 cups of broth, and set aside.

  2. 2

    2. Wipe dried chiles with a damp cloth, remove stems and seeds. Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat and toast chiles for 30-45 seconds per side until fragrant; avoid burning. Transfer to a bowl and cover with hot water for 20 minutes to soften. Drain.

  3. 3

    3. In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté remaining onion (chopped) and 2 garlic cloves until translucent. Toast almonds, sesame seeds, and torn tortillas in the skillet until lightly browned. Stir in raisins last to warm.

  4. 4

    4. In a blender, combine sautéed vegetables and nuts, soaked chiles, spices (cinnamon, cumin, oregano), chocolate, and reserved turkey broth. Blend until completely smooth, adding more broth if needed for a thick but pourable sauce.

  5. 5

    5. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a pot over medium-low. Pour in the mole puree, stir frequently, and simmer 20-25 minutes until darkened and thick, adjusting with water if too thick. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.

  6. 6

    6. Slice or shred turkey and return it to the pot with mole sauce. Warm gently together, ensuring the turkey is well coated, for 10-15 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with extra sesame seeds if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Pavo en Mole recipe?
The key ingredient in this Pavo en Mole is the turkey breast, which brings high protein and a mild flavor base that lets the complex mole sauce shine. The sauce itself is defined by its trio of dried chiles, Mexican chocolate, and toasted nuts, creating the iconic depth and texture that make this dish unique.
Q. What cooking step is most crucial for developing mole's flavor?
Toasting the dried chiles gently in oil is essential: this process unlocks the deep, smoky flavors and forms the base of the sauce. It’s important to toast them over medium heat for no more than 45 seconds per side—overcooking will make them bitter. Properly blending the cooked aromatics and nuts with the softened chiles also ensures a smooth, rich sauce.
Q. How can I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy or too thick?
Blend the mole ingredients thoroughly until completely smooth, adding a little extra broth or water if needed. When simmering the sauce, stir frequently over medium-low heat to prevent sticking or scorching. If the mole thickens too much during cooking, simply whisk in more broth a tablespoon at a time until the desired texture is reached.
Q. What is the nutrition breakdown per serving for this dish?
Each 260g serving contains about 370 kcal, 21g carbohydrates (23% of calories), 34g protein (37%), and 14g fat (40%). This makes Pavo en Mole a high protein, moderate-fat dish, ideal for those wanting a protein-focused meal with robust flavor.
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