Embark on a culinary journey through the vibrant flavors of Mexico with our Mole Sencillo—a deliciously easy masterpiece meticulously crafted to bring the essence of Mexican cuisine to your table. Picture a harmonious blend of rich chocolate, savory spices, and tender chicken, creating a symphony of tastes and textures that embody the simplicity and elegance of this traditional dish. Whether you’re a lover of Mexican cuisine or someone seeking an easy yet flavorful culinary adventure, this guide is your key to savoring the authentic goodness of Simple Elegance. Join us as we guide you through the steps, ensuring each bite is a celebration of the delightful combination of flavors, cultural richness, and the satisfying simplicity that defines this cherished Mexican recipe. Get ready to experience the joy of Mole Sencillo in your kitchen!
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 2 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions
- Prepare the Chiles: Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast the dried ancho and guajillo chiles for a few seconds on each side until they become fragrant. Remove them from the skillet and soak them in hot water for about 15 minutes until they soften.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, chicken broth, cocoa powder, peanut butter, toasted sesame seeds, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Blend until you have a smooth and thick sauce.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a large saucepan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, and sauté until they become translucent and aromatic.
- Simmer the Sauce: Pour the blended sauce into the saucepan with the sautéed onion and garlic. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.
- Cook the Chicken: While the sauce is simmering, season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a separate skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s browned on both sides and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the chicken.
- Serve the Mole: Once the chicken is cooked, ladle the rich Mole Sencillo sauce over each chicken breast. You can serve it with rice, tortillas, or warm cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Additional Information
Mole Sencillo is a prime example of the wonderful and diverse world of Mexican cuisine. This simplified version of mole sauce maintains the deep, complex flavors that traditional moles are known for but with fewer ingredients and a simpler preparation process.
Despite its simplicity, Mole Sencillo is a flavorful masterpiece that combines the earthy tones of chiles with the richness of cocoa and peanut butter. The result is a sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet, making it a perfect complement to tender chicken.
Enjoy the magic of Mexican cuisine with this easy-to-make Mole Sencillo recipe. It’s a testament to the art of combining simple ingredients to create a culinary masterpiece that will delight your taste buds and transport you to the heart of Mexico.