Best Easy Mole Almendrado Recipe

A silky mole sauce enriched with ground almonds, dried chiles, and aromatic spices. This protein-rich family celebration sauce offers a creamy, nutty elegance over chicken or pork.

Cook 90 min Difficulty HARD 355 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • bone-in chicken pieces 2 lbs
  • dried pasilla chiles 3 pieces
  • dried guajillo chiles 3 pieces
  • whole blanched almonds 1 cup
  • white onion 1 medium
  • ripe tomato 2 medium
  • corn tortilla 1 piece
  • chicken broth 3 cups
  • vegetable oil 3 tbsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • cinnamon stick 0.5 piece
  • cloves 3 pieces
  • black peppercorns 0.5 tsp
  • anise seed 0.25 tsp
  • sea salt 1.5 tsp
  • sugar 1 tbsp
  • sesame seeds 2 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 21 g 24%
Protein 21 g 24%
Fat 20 g 52%
Serving size 210g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Remove seeds and stems from the chiles, then toast them for 30 seconds per side in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, being careful not to burn.

  2. 2

    Soak toasted chiles in hot chicken broth for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, toast almonds in a dry skillet over medium-low heat until golden, then set aside.

  3. 3

    Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large pot over medium heat. Sauté chopped onion, garlic cloves, and cubed tortilla until the onion is soft and tortilla is lightly crisped, about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Add almonds, chiles with broth, tomato, cinnamon, cloves, peppercorns, anise, salt, and sugar. Simmer over low heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

  5. 5

    Blend the mixture in batches until ultra-smooth. Return sauce to the pot, add chicken pieces, cover, and cook gently over low heat for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally. The sauce should thicken and coat the chicken luxuriously.

  6. 6

    Finish with the remaining 1 tbsp oil for added sheen and sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What ingredient gives Mole Almendrado its signature flavor and creamy texture?
The ground blanched almonds are key to this recipe, lending the mole its signature creamy and nutty depth. When combined with toasted chiles and aromatic spices, they create the complex, elegant base that sets Mole Almendrado apart from other moles.
Q. What’s the most important cooking point for perfecting the sauce?
Gentle simmering and frequent stirring during sauce reduction are crucial. Slowly cooking the blended ingredients over low heat allows the flavors to meld and prevents scorching or separating, ensuring a silky, well-emulsified sauce.
Q. How can I avoid a gritty or separated mole sauce?
Blend the sauce thoroughly in batches until ultra-smooth, and always strain if needed for an extra velvety finish. Also, maintain a gentle heat when returning the sauce to the pot—overheating can cause the sauce to break or become gritty.
Q. Is this recipe high in protein? What’s the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Yes, this Mole Almendrado is high in protein, providing 21g of protein and 21g of carbohydrates per serving, with protein accounting for 24% and carbs for 24% of total calories. Its balanced macronutrient profile fits well with higher-protein meal plans.
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