In the realm of Mexican cuisine, few dishes hold a candle to the rich, complex flavors of Oaxacan Red Mole Sauce, also known as Mole Coloradito. Originating from the vibrant state of Oaxaca, this culinary masterpiece is a symphony of flavors and textures, a testament to the region's culinary heritage. While the traditional preparation of Mole Coloradito is a labor of love, requiring hours of preparation and a myriad of ingredients, this article offers a streamlined version that captures the essence of this iconic sauce. Alongside the main recipe, you'll find variations that cater to different dietary preferences, including a vegetarian and a vegan rendition. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a novice in the kitchen, this compilation of Oaxacan Red Mole Sauce recipes will guide you in creating this delectable dish that is sure to tantalize your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Oaxaca's culinary traditions.
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OAXACAN RED MOLE SAUCE (MOLE COLORADITO)
This is a classic Oaxacan dish, served with rice. Each family has their own version, this one is made by the Restaurant La Olla, Oaxaca México. A little information: Oaxaca is to Mexican food lovers and cooks perhaps what Florence is to art aficionados. Walking through any village market, or just down the street in Oaxaca is a aromatic as well as visual delight. In Oaxaca, it is difficult for one to walk for very long without ending up in a market and passing a dozen little restaurants. Not only has Oaxaca made significant contributions to the flavors of the world - especially with its extraordinary mole (mo-lay) sauces: sharp, thick, sweetly complex, with top notes of smoke, sometimes clove and citrus and always undertones of dried-chile heat, but the Indians from Oaxaca invented two of the cooking utensils that are still essential in Mexican cooking: the molcajete (stone utensil used to crush and mix spices) and the comal (metal utensil for heating and baking). Oaxaca is justly famous worldwide for its vibrant, inventive, and diverse cuisine. The markets and restaurants produce their succulent, rich moles for which Oaxaca is famous. There are at least seven basic varieties of mole made in the region. Here are nine: negro (black), amarillo (yellow), coloradito (reddish), almendrado (with almonds), verde (green), rojo (red), Manchamanteles (tablecloth stainer) and chichilo negro. There is always mole being served in Oaxaca, such as the coloradito; with its brick-red color of roasted chiles, sautéed spices, and ground, charred bread, it is elusively spicy and with a slightly tangy sweetness, a little smoky, with the fullness of toasted grain and a bit more pungent than the negro or the amarillo, which is especially mild, with its clean chile flavor, a strong top note of cumin and a slightly oily texture.
Provided by Sharon123
Categories Chicken Breast
Time 1h55m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 23
Steps:
- Chicken:.
- Cook the chicken in 4 cups of water, with garlic, onion and salt on medium heat for 45 minutes. Check to make sure that the chicken is cooked through.
- Mole sauce:.
- Wash the chiles with a damp cloth, remove the stems of the chiles, slit open with a knife and remove the seeds and veins. Toast the chiles on both sides in large frying pan over high heat, making sure that they do not burn.
- Soak the chiles in boiling water to soften them for about 10 minute Meanwhile, fry the almonds in 3 tbls. of the shortening on medium heat for 5 min., or until they are a golden color.
- Take them out and set aside.
- Next fry the raisins until they puff up and the skin browns a bit, then remove and strain in a sieve. Turn the heat down a bit, and fry the sesame seeds in the same oil, adding a little salt to prevent them from jumping from pan.
- Once golden, remove and store on an absorbent paper towel. Still in the same oil, fry the slices of bread, until they are golden. Remove and put on an absorbent paper towel. On a dry pan or skittle roast the garlic, onion and tomato until they are nicely toasted with black spots.
- In a blender, grind the chiles with a half cup of water, and add more water as necessary to blend. Once the mixture is smooth, pour into a saucepan and fry with one tbsp of the shortening for 10 minute on medium heat. Stirring occasionally to ensure that it does not stick to the pan.
- Next, blend both the roasted and fried ingredients together, until smooth. Blend the tomatoes and strain through a colander and add into the chile mixture. Now add the cinnamon sick, thyme, marjoram(if using) and the oregano. Cook for 5 more minutes. Add the chicken broth, salt, sugar and chocolate on medium heat, stirring occasionally. Remove cinnamon stick. Cool for 15 minutes. Pour the chicken in a serving dish, serve with rice.
MIXIOTE DE BORREGO EN MOLE COLORADITO: LAMB SHANK IN AN OAXACAN RED MOLE SAUCE
Steps:
- To prepare the mole sauce: In a blender or food processor, blend tomatoes and garlic cloves, adding water if necessary. Strain and set aside. In a spice grinder pulverize the sesame seeds, peppercorns, oregano and cinnamon; set aside.
- Make a lengthwise cut on 1 side of each ancho and guajillo chile and remove seeds. Put chiles in a bowl and cover with boiling water, letting soak for 20 minutes or until soft. Place chiles and soaking water in a blender. Puree, strain and set aside. In a medium stockpot, heat 3 tablespoons of canola oil. Add the dried spices stirring continuously. Add the two purees and bring to a boil. Add the chocolate, sugar, and salt to taste; let simmer for about 20 minutes.
- To prepare the lamb shanks: Season the lamb shanks with salt and in a hot skillet sear shanks in oil on all sides. In a bowl, dip each shank in mole sauce, sprinkle with some of the vinegar, chopped onion and salt, then wrap in a banana leaf and then in aluminum foil. Place shanks in a roasting pan and bake in a preheated 325 degree oven for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or until the meat is falling off the bone. Place shank on a plate and top with additional warm mole sauce.
Tips:
- To achieve the perfect balance of flavors, toast the spices until fragrant, but be careful not to burn them.
- When grinding the spices, use a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder to get a fine powder.
- Use a variety of chiles to create a complex flavor profile. Some popular chiles for mole include ancho, guajillo, pasilla, and chipotle.
- Soak the chiles in hot water until they are softened, then drain and remove the seeds and stems.
- Toast the nuts and seeds until they are fragrant, then grind them into a fine powder.
- Use a variety of dried fruits and spices to add sweetness and complexity to the mole.
- Simmer the mole for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve the mole with chicken, pork, or vegetables.
Conclusion:
Oaxacan red mole sauce, or mole coloradito, is a complex and flavorful sauce that is a staple of Oaxacan cuisine. With its rich, earthy flavor and hint of sweetness, mole coloradito is a perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. Whether you are making it for a special occasion or just a weeknight meal, this recipe will help you create a delicious and authentic mole coloradito.
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