Best Easy Mole Mixteco Recipe

A regional mole from the Mixtec region of Oaxaca with distinctive local chile varieties. This protein-rich family sauce represents the incredible diversity of Mexico's mole traditions.

Cook 150 min Difficulty HARD 320 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Chicken thighs, bone-in skinless 2.5 lbs
  • Dried pasilla chiles 5 pieces
  • Dried guajillo chiles 4 pieces
  • Plantain, ripe 1 piece
  • Corn tortillas 2 pieces
  • Unsalted peanuts 0.5 cup
  • Almonds, blanched 0.25 cup
  • Pumpkin seeds 2 tbsp
  • Toasted sesame seeds 2 tbsp
  • Tomatoes, medium 2 pieces
  • White onion 1 piece
  • Garlic cloves 4 cloves
  • Raisins 0.25 cup
  • Mexican chocolate 2 oz
  • Lard or vegetable oil 0.25 cup
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Cinnamon stick 1 piece
  • Whole cloves 4 pieces
  • Black peppercorns 1 tsp
  • Dried oregano 1 tsp
  • Kosher salt 2 tsp
  • Sugar 1 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 22 g 27%
Protein 21 g 26%
Fat 16 g 47%
Serving size 150g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Heat a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Toast the pasilla and guajillo chiles for about 1–2 minutes per side until fragrant, being careful not to burn them. Remove stems and seeds, and soak in hot water for 15 minutes.

  2. 2

    In a skillet over medium-high, fry the plantain rounds, corn tortillas, peanuts, almonds, and pumpkin seeds in lard or vegetable oil until golden and aromatic, about 5–7 minutes. Set aside to drain excess oil.

  3. 3

    Roast the tomatoes, onion, and garlic in a dry skillet or under a broiler, turning occasionally, until deeply charred and tender, about 10 minutes.

  4. 4

    Blend the soaked chiles with roasted vegetables, nuts, seeds, raisins, and seasoning ingredients (cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, oregano, salt, and sugar), adding some chicken broth as needed to achieve a smooth, thick paste.

  5. 5

    Return the paste to the Dutch oven, cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking or burning.

  6. 6

    Add chicken thighs and enough water or stock to submerge. Simmer gently for 45–60 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender. Monitor heat to maintain a gentle simmer.

  7. 7

    Stir in Mexican chocolate and toasted sesame seeds; continue simmering another 10 minutes until the chocolate melts and the sauce thickens, adjusting salt to taste.

  8. 8

    Serve each portion with chicken pieces smothered in the rich mole sauce. Garnish with extra sesame seeds, if desired.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The key ingredients in this Mole Mixteco recipe are the region-specific dried chiles (pasilla and guajillo), which impart the distinctive depth, earthy complexity, and mild heat characteristic of Oaxacan moles. These, combined with nuts, seeds, and Mexican chocolate, give the sauce its signature flavor.
Q. What is the most important cooking tip for Mole Mixteco?
A critical cooking tip is to manage heat carefully, especially when toasting the chiles and frying the nuts and seeds. Moderate heat brings out deep flavors without burning; high heat risks bitterness and loss of aroma. Stir frequently during the simmer to prevent scorching the thick sauce.
Q. How can I avoid a gritty or oily mole texture?
Ensure all ingredients—especially the chiles, nuts, and roasted vegetables—are blended until completely smooth, adding broth as needed. Skim off any excess oil that rises to the top after simmering, and maintain low heat toward the end to stabilize the emulsion and achieve a silky texture.
Q. How nutritious is this Mole Mixteco per serving?
Each serving (150g) provides approximately 320 kcal, with 22g carbs (27% of calories), 21g protein (26%), and 16g fat (47%). This makes it a protein-rich sauce featuring balanced macronutrients from chicken, nuts, and seeds.
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