Indulge in a culinary journey to Mexico with this tantalizing Pumpkin Seed Chicken Mole recipe. Originating from the heart of Puebla, mole is a rich, complex sauce that combines the smoky flavor of toasted pumpkin seeds with the sweetness of dried chiles, spices, and chocolate. The result is a deep, velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with tender chicken. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions to create an authentic chicken mole dish, along with variations for a vegan mole and a spicy mole sauce. Whether you prefer a classic mole experience or a more adventurous twist, this comprehensive guide has you covered.
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PUMPKIN SEED CHICKEN MOLE
Steps:
- In a dry cast-iron skillet toast pumpkin seeds, cumin seeds, pepper and oregano over a low heat, shaking the pan occasionally. Heat until aromas are released, about 5 minutes. Remove before seeds begin to brown and set aside to cool. In a blender grind mixture until a powder forms. In blender or food processor puree tomatillos, serrano chile, garlic, lettuce, cinnamon, cilantro, radish tops, onion and salt until smooth. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large saucepan heat olive oil over a high heat. Carefully, pour in pureed tomatillo mixture, and let sizzle for 30 seconds. Stir in stock. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Turn up the heat to high and bring to a boil. Stir in ground nut mixture and remove from the heat. Puree in a food processor or blender, in batches, if necessary. Pass through a fine strainer, pressing with the back of a ladle to extract all the juices, into a 13 x 10-inch flameproof baking dish. Place the chicken breasts in the sauce and bring to a boil over moderate heat. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of white rice. Sprinkle radish slices over the top.
CHICKEN WITH PUMPKIN-SEED MOLE
They may be tiny, but seeds pack a powerful nutritional punch.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Meat & Poultry Chicken Chicken Breast Recipes
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Place chicken in a 4-quart pot, and add water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate, and cover.
- Place serrano and poblano chiles directly over the flame of a gas-stove burner on high heat. Roast, turning with tongs, until blackened all over. (Alternatively, broil chiles on a baking sheet, turning often, until skin has charred.) Transfer chiles to a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let stand for 15 minutes. Peel chiles, and remove stems, seeds, and ribs.
- Process roasted chiles, onion, garlic, cilantro leaves, 1/2 cup pepitas, cumin, oregano, and 1/2 cup stock in a blender until a coarse paste forms.
- Heat oil in a 4-quart pot over medium heat. Add paste, and cook, stirring constantly, until very thick, about 9 minutes. (Reduce heat if mixture begins to scorch.) Whisk remaining 1 1/2 cups of stock into paste until incorporated. Let mixture cool slightly, then transfer to blender. Add salt and lime juice. Process until sauce is smooth.
- Place chicken in a clean 4-quart pot, and cover with sauce. Cook over medium-low heat until just heated through, about 10 minutes. (Do not simmer.)
- Transfer chicken to a cutting board, and cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Distribute evenly among plates, spoon sauce on top, and garnish with cilantro sprigs and remaining 2 tablespoons pepitas. Serve with rice if desired.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 287 g, Cholesterol 66 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 35 g, SaturatedFat 2 g, Sodium 250 g
Tips:
- To make the mole sauce, use a variety of dried chiles to create a complex flavor. You can adjust the heat level by using more or less chiles.
- Toast the pumpkin seeds in a dry skillet over medium heat until they are fragrant and golden brown. This will enhance their flavor and add a nutty aroma to the mole sauce.
- If you don't have a blender, you can use a food processor to make the mole sauce. Just be sure to process it until it is smooth.
- Serve the mole sauce with chicken, pork, or tofu. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for chips or vegetables.
Conclusion:
Pumpkin seed chicken mole is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The mole sauce is rich and complex, with a perfect balance of spice and sweetness. The chicken is tender and juicy, and the pumpkin seeds add a nutty crunch. This dish is sure to impress your guests!
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