Best Easy Iguana en Mole Verde Recipe

Iguana simmered in a vibrant green mole of pumpkin seeds, tomatillos, and herbs. This lean, high protein traditional dish preserves an ancient family recipe from southern Mexico.

Cook 80 min Difficulty HARD 260 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • iguana meat, cut into pieces 2 lbs
  • tomatillos, husked and rinsed 1.5 cups
  • pumpkin seeds (pepitas) 0.75 cup
  • fresh cilantro leaves 1 cup
  • fresh epazote leaves (or substitute with additional cilantro) 0.25 cup
  • poblano pepper, seeded and chopped 1 piece
  • chicken broth 3 cups
Seasonings/Sauce
  • white onion, sliced 0.5 piece
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • fresh serrano pepper 1 piece
  • salt 1.5 tsp
  • black pepper 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 8 g 12%
Protein 36 g 56%
Fat 8 g 32%
Serving size 200g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Place the iguana meat in a large pot with enough water to cover and 1 tsp of salt. Simmer over medium-low heat for 50–60 minutes until the meat is very tender, skimming any foam that rises to the surface.

  2. 2

    Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until golden and fragrant but not burned—about 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.

  3. 3

    Roast tomatillos, poblano pepper, serrano pepper, onion, and garlic on a dry skillet over medium-high heat, turning frequently, until charred on all sides (8–10 minutes). Remove from heat.

  4. 4

    Blend the roasted vegetables, cilantro, epazote, and toasted pumpkin seeds with 1 cup of chicken broth until smooth. Scrape down the blender sides to ensure an even texture.

  5. 5

    In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the blended mole verde with the remaining 2 cups chicken broth. Add the cooked iguana pieces, stirring gently. Simmer uncovered over low heat for 30 minutes, letting the sauce thicken, and stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

  6. 6

    Taste for seasoning. Adjust salt or pepper if needed. Serve hot with fresh cilantro garnish if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Iguana en Mole Verde recipe?
The key ingredient is iguana meat, which brings a unique lean protein to the dish. Combined with toasted pumpkin seeds and tomatillos, it shapes the signature flavor and traditional texture of mole verde from southern Mexico.
Q. Which step in this recipe is most important for developing flavor?
Toasting the pumpkin seeds and roasting the tomatillos, peppers, onion, and garlic is essential. These steps layer deep, nutty, and smoky flavors, which define the taste and authenticity of the mole verde sauce.
Q. How do I ensure that the iguana meat stays tender and isn’t tough?
Simmering the iguana gently over medium-low heat for nearly an hour helps break down the meat’s fibers without overcooking. Keeping a steady, gentle simmer and skimming off any foam as it cooks preserves moisture and tenderness.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each 200g serving provides roughly 260 kcal and a high 36g of protein, making it a lean, protein-rich main dish. Carbohydrates are moderate at 8g per serving, while fat contributes about 8g.
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