Best Easy Mole de Guajolote Recipe

Turkey bathed in rich mole sauce, the original pre-Hispanic pairing that started it all. This high protein family celebration dish honors the ancient Aztec roots of Mexico's greatest sauce.

Cook 120 min Difficulty HARD 390 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • turkey legs 2 lbs
  • vegetable oil 3 tbsp
  • white onion 1 pieces
  • garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • corn tortillas 2 pieces
  • almonds 1 oz
  • raisins 1 oz
  • sesame seeds 2 tbsp
  • chicken broth 3 cups
  • dark chocolate 2 oz
Seasonings/Sauce
  • dried guajillo chiles 4 pieces
  • dried pasilla chiles 2 pieces
  • dried ancho chiles 2 pieces
  • cinnamon stick 0.5 pieces
  • whole cloves 3 pieces
  • black peppercorns 1 tsp
  • salt 2 tsp
  • sugar 1 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 22 g 23%
Protein 36 g 37%
Fat 15 g 40%
Serving size 270g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season turkey legs with 1 teaspoon salt and brown on all sides for 10–12 minutes to lock in moisture, then remove and set aside.

  2. 2

    Reduce heat to medium. Add sliced onion and garlic cloves; saute until translucent and golden, about 8 minutes. Remove from pot.

  3. 3

    Toast tortillas, almonds, sesame seeds, and raisins in the same pot over low heat for 3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

  4. 4

    Over medium-low heat, lightly toast guajillo, pasilla, and ancho chiles for 1–2 minutes, turning frequently. Remove seeds and stems, then soak chiles in 1 cup hot chicken broth for 10 minutes until pliable.

  5. 5

    Combine sauteed onion, garlic, toasted nuts, seeds, raisins, tortillas, soaked chiles, cinnamon stick, cloves, and peppercorns in a blender. Add soaking liquid; blend until smooth.

  6. 6

    Return turkey legs to the pot, pour in blended mole sauce, remaining chicken broth, chocolate, and sugar. Stir well, bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low for 1.5–2 hours, turning turkey occasionally, until meat is tender and sauce has thickened.

  7. 7

    Before serving, adjust seasoning with remaining salt if needed. Garnish with additional sesame seeds.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this Best Easy Mole de Guajolote Recipe?
The star ingredient is turkey, which distinguishes Mole de Guajolote from other mole dishes and contributes a savory depth and high protein content. Essential to the mole sauce are the trio of dried chiles—guajillo, pasilla, and ancho—blending with chocolate and nuts to create layers of complexity and the signature mole flavor.
Q. What is the most important cooking tip for achieving authentic mole flavor?
The critical step is properly toasting the dried chiles and other aromatics on medium-low heat. Carefully toast—without burning—the chiles for just 1–2 minutes, and toast the nuts, seeds, raisins, and tortillas separately. This precise technique builds deep, nuanced flavors without bitterness.
Q. How can I prevent the turkey from drying out during cooking?
Start by browning the turkey legs to seal in juices, then simmer gently in the mole sauce over low heat, covered, for 1.5–2 hours. Turning the turkey occasionally and keeping the sauce at a gentle simmer ensures moist, tender meat that remains succulent.
Q. How many calories and protein are in each serving of this dish?
Each serving contains about 390 kcal and 36 grams of protein, making this recipe a high-protein option ideal for family celebrations. The dish provides 22 grams of carbohydrates (23% of calories) and 15 grams of fat (40% of calories) per 270g serving.
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