Forktionary

Mole

N/A (a sauce, not a plant) Sauce

Mole Sauce

At a Glance

  • Category Sauce

The Forktionary Angle

"Mexico's culinary crown jewel: a symphony of flavors."

Definition

A complex, traditional Mexican sauce typically featuring chili peppers, spices, fruits, nuts, and often chocolate, simmered to a rich consistency.

Ingredients Count Traditional moles can contain 20-30+ ingredients.
Origin Fact Often associated with Puebla and Oaxaca regions of Mexico.
Prep Time Authentic mole sauces can take hours, even days, to prepare from scratch.

Flavor Profile

The primary flavor notes for Mole are:

Rich Complex Savory Earthy Sweet Spicy Smoky (varies by type)

Chef’s Secret

When reheating store-bought mole paste, thin it with chicken broth, and simmer gently to allow flavors to meld and deepen.

Best Substitutes

Enchilada sauce

simpler flavor
Ratio 1:1

Mexican chili sauce

less complex
Ratio 1:1

Buying Guide

Look for high-quality jarred or paste versions from Mexican specialty stores for convenience. Check ingredient list.

Culinary Pairings

Chicken turkey enchiladas tamales huevos rancheros tacos

Recipes Using Mole

7 Alarm Chili image
Spicy Occasion Main Dish American

7 Alarm Chili

Unleash the fiery fury of this 7 Alarm Chili! A flavor explosion of perfectly balanced heat and deliciousness, this recipe is crafted for chili-heads who crave intense flavor. We're combining beef chuck, ground beef, hot Italian sausage, and bacon for an umami bomb, then amping up the heat with a fiery blend of chiles. Crock-pot cooking ensures tender meat and deep flavors, but don't skip the initial sear for that extra layer of deliciousness! Get ready for a chili that will leave you sweating – in the best way possible.

See Complete Recipe