Unveiling the Enigma: Crafting Mole Poblano - A Culinary Voyage into Mexico's Heart

Unveiling the Enigma: Crafting Mole Poblano - A Culinary Voyage into Mexico's Heart

Mole poblano, the enigmatic masterpiece of Mexican cuisine, beckons us to a journey of flavours that transcend borders and embrace history. Rooted in rich traditions and infused with complex aromas, this celebrated dish encapsulates the soul of Mexico in every bite. Let's delve into the story, origin, and step-by-step creation of this revered culinary gem.

The Legend and Origin of Mole Poblano: Mole poblano's genesis traces back to the historic city of Puebla, Mexico. The tale weaves a blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, merging to create a tapestry of flavours. Legend has it that nuns of the Santa Rosa Convent concocted this savoury symphony as a tribute to a visiting archbishop, fusing local ingredients with European spices and chocolate. The result? Mole poblano—a harmonious amalgamation of cultures that resonates to this day.

Preparation Time: 35 minutes
Cooking Time: 55 minutes
Yield: Serves 10

Chicken Base:

• 1 whole chicken (about 4-5 lbs), cut into serving pieces
• 8 cups water
• 1 small onion, quartered
• 4 garlic cloves, smashed
• 1 bunch fresh cilantro
• Salt, to taste

Mole Sauce Magic:

• 4 dried mulato chiles
• 3 dried ancho chiles
• 2 dried pasilla chiles
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablet of Mexican chocolate (about 3 oz)
• 1/4 tsp coriander seeds
• 1/2 tsp anise seeds
• 1 cup sesame seeds
• 5 whole cloves
• 1/2 tsp black peppercorns
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/3 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup whole almonds
• 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup peanuts
• 1 small cinnamon stick
• 2 tomatoes
• 3 garlic cloves
• 1/2 medium onion
• 1 corn tortilla
• 2 slices crusty bread
• 1/2 ripe plantain, peeled and sliced
• Salt, to taste

Serving Suggestions:

• Steamed white or red rice
• Freshly made corn tortillas

Instructions:

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken Base

1. In a large pot, combine the chicken pieces, water, quartered onion, smashed garlic cloves, fresh cilantro, and a pinch of salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
3. Let it gently simmer for approximately 40 minutes until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
4. As it simmers, skim off any foam that accumulates on the surface using a spoon.
5. Once done, transfer the chicken to a large bowl and strain and reserve the flavourful broth.

Step 2: Crafting the Mole Sauce Magic

1. De-seed the dried mulato, ancho, and pasilla chiles and flatten them.
2. In a skillet, lightly toast the chiles on both sides until fragrant. Soak them in 2 cups of the reserved chicken broth to soften.
3. Toast the coriander seeds, anise seeds, sesame seeds, cloves, and black peppercorns individually in the skillet. Set aside.
4. In the same skillet, fry raisins, almonds, pumpkin seeds, and peanuts in 2 tbsp of oil until they acquire a golden hue. Drain and keep aside.

   
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Step 3: Blending the Alchemy

1. Blend the soaked chiles, Mexican chocolate, toasted seeds, and spices with a portion of the chicken broth until a smooth paste forms.
2. In the skillet, fry tomatoes and garlic until charred, adding depth to their flavours.
3. Fry the corn tortilla and slices of bread until they turn crisp and golden.
4. Blend the fried ingredients into a creamy paste.

Step 4: Merging Flavours to Create Mole

1. Heat 2 tbsp of oil in a large pot. Add the blended mole paste and fry for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
2. Gradually pour in the remaining chicken broth, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 15-20 minutes until it thickens.
3. Taste the mole sauce and adjust seasoning with salt, as needed. The aroma will be irresistible as it develops rich flavours.

Step 5: Infusion of Chicken and Mole

1. Add the reserved chicken pieces into the simmering mole sauce.
2. Allow the chicken to absorb the exquisite flavours of the mole by simmering for an additional 10 minutes.

Step 6: Culinary Voyage Culminates

1. Plate the succulent chicken over steamed white or red rice.
2. Generously spoon the complex and fragrant mole sauce over the chicken.
3. Sprinkle the top with the reserved sesame seeds, adding a delicate crunch and visual appeal.
4. Serve the dish with warm corn tortilla on the side, inviting everyone to savour the masterpiece.

Mole poblano isn't just a recipe; it's a journey through time, a celebration of fusion, and a testament to the power of food in telling stories. With each savoury spoonful, we honour the legacy of those who came before us and the traditions that has been handed down through generations.