Chicken Mole (Mexico)

Chicken Mole (Mexico).

 Chicken Mole is a classic Mexican dish renowned for its rich, complex flavors and velvety sauce. Tender chicken pieces are simmered in a sauce made from a blend of chili peppers, chocolate, spices, nuts, and other ingredients. The result is a harmonious balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, with a hint of smokiness from the roasted peppers. Chicken Mole is often served with rice and warm tortillas, making it a hearty and satisfying meal that showcases the vibrant culinary heritage of Mexico.

Ingredients:

• 1 kg chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or breast)
• 4 dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 2 dried pasilla chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 2 dried guajillo chilies, stemmed and seeded
• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup almonds, toasted
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 50 g dark chocolate, chopped
• Salt to taste
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• Sesame seeds and chopped cilantro, for garnish
• Cooked rice and warm tortillas, for serving

Preparation Method:

Prepare Chilies:

• Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the dried chilies in the skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, until fragrant. Remove from heat and transfer to a bowl. Cover with hot water and let them soak for about 20-30 minutes until softened. Drain and set aside.

Make Sauce Base:

• In the same skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes.

Blend Sauce:

• In a blender or food processor, combine the soaked chilies, sautéed onion and garlic, toasted almonds, raisins, toasted sesame seeds, tomato paste, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground cumin, and dried oregano. Blend until smooth, adding chicken broth as needed to achieve a thick, smooth consistency.

Sear Chicken:

• Season the chicken pieces with salt. In a large skillet or pot, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken pieces until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Simmer Chicken in Sauce:

• In the same skillet or pot, pour the blended sauce over the seared chicken pieces. Add the chicken broth and chopped chocolate. Stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it simmer gently for about 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

Adjust Seasoning:

• Taste the Chicken Mole and adjust the seasoning with salt and sugar if needed, to balance the flavors.

Serve:

• Once the chicken is cooked to perfection and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat. Serve the Chicken Mole hot over cooked rice and warm tortillas. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped cilantro for extra flavor and presentation.

The benefits, drawbacks, main chemical components, and approximate calorie counts for each ingredient:

Chicken pieces (1 kg):

• Benefits: High in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins, and minerals.
• Drawbacks: Contains saturated fat, especially in the skin.
• Main chemical component: Protein.
• Calories: Approximately 165 calories per 4 oz (113g) serving for chicken breast, and approximately 200 calories per 4 oz (113g) serving for chicken thigh.

Dried ancho chilies (4):

• Benefits: Contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
• Drawbacks: May be spicy for some individuals.
• Main chemical component: Capsaicin.
• Calories: Approximately 40 calories per 100g.

Dried pasilla chilies (2):

• Benefits: Rich in vitamins, particularly vitamin C.
• Drawbacks: May be spicy for some individuals.
• Main chemical component: Capsaicin.
• Calories: Approximately 30 calories per 100g.

Dried guajillo chilies (2):

• Benefits: Contains antioxidants and vitamins.
• Drawbacks: May be spicy for some individuals.
• Main chemical component: Capsaicin.
• Calories: Approximately 40 calories per 100g.

Onion (1, chopped):

• Benefits: Contains antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
• Drawbacks: May cause tears when chopped.
• Main chemical component: Quercetin (a flavonoid).
• Calories: Approximately 40 calories per 100g.

Garlic (4 cloves, minced):

• Benefits: Contains antioxidants, may boost immune system, adds flavor.
• Drawbacks: Strong flavor may be overpowering if used excessively.
• Main chemical component: Allicin (responsible for garlic's aroma and health benefits).
• Calories: Approximately 4 calories per clove.

Almonds (1/2 cup, toasted):

• Benefits: Rich in healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Drawbacks: High in calories, especially when consumed in large quantities.
• Main chemical component: Unsaturated fats.
• Calories: Approximately 260 calories per 1/2 cup (73g) serving.

Raisins (1/4 cup):

• Benefits: Contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
• Drawbacks: High in natural sugars, which contribute to calorie content.
• Main chemical component: Sugars.
• Calories: Approximately 100 calories per 1/4 cup (40g) serving.

Sesame seeds (1/4 cup, toasted):

• Benefits: Good source of healthy fats, protein, vitamins, and minerals.
• Drawbacks: High in calories, especially when consumed in large quantities.
• Main chemical component: Unsaturated fats.
• Calories: Approximately 206 calories per 1/4 cup (36g) serving.

Vegetable oil (2 tablespoons):

• Benefits: Provides essential fatty acids, aids in cooking process.
• Drawbacks: High in calories and fat.
• Main chemical component: Fat.
• Calories: Approximately 240 calories per 2 tablespoons (30ml).

Tomato paste (1/4 cup):

• Benefits: Concentrated source of vitamins, particularly vitamin C and lycopene.
• Drawbacks: May contain added salt.
• Main chemical component: Lycopene.
• Calories: Approximately 54 calories per 1/4 cup (61g) serving.

Ground spices (1/4 teaspoon each):

• Benefits: Adds flavor and aroma. Contains antioxidants and may have anti-inflammatory properties.
• Drawbacks: None significant.
• Main chemical components: Varies depending on the spice.
• Calories: Negligible.

Chicken broth (2 cups):

• Benefits: Adds flavor and moisture to dishes.
• Drawbacks: May contain added salt or preservatives.
• Main chemical component: Protein.
• Calories: Approximately 10-20 calories per cup (240ml), depending on the brand.

Dark chocolate (50g, chopped):

• Benefits: Contains antioxidants and may have cardiovascular benefits.
• Drawbacks: High in calories and fat.
• Main chemical component: Cocoa solids, cocoa butter.
• Calories: Approximately 250 calories per 50g.

Sugar (1 tablespoon, optional):

• Benefits: Adds sweetness to balance flavors.
• Drawbacks: High in calories and natural sugars.
• Main chemical component: Sucrose.
• Calories: Approximately 49 calories per tablespoon (12g)