Mole - 10 things to know with detail
- 1. Mole, often pronounced as "moh-lay", is a traditional Mexican sauce that is made with a combination of ingredients such as chilies, chocolate, nuts, seeds, and spices.
- 2. There are many different types of mole, with the most popular being mole poblano, which originates from the city of Puebla in Mexico.
- 3. Mole is a complex sauce that typically requires a long cooking time, as the ingredients need to be toasted, ground, and simmered to develop their flavors.
- 4. Mole is commonly served over meat dishes such as chicken or pork, but can also be used as a sauce for enchiladas, tamales, or other Mexican dishes.
- 5. The chocolate in mole is not meant to make the sauce sweet, but rather to add a depth of flavor and richness to the dish.
- 6. Mole poblano, the most well-known type of mole, is said to have originated in the 16th century when nuns in Puebla created the sauce to serve to a visiting bishop.
- 7. Mole is often served during special occasions and holidays in Mexico, such as Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) or Cinco de Mayo.
- 8. Mole can vary in spiciness, depending on the types of chilies used in the sauce. Some moles are mild, while others can be quite spicy.
- 9. Mole is a labor-intensive dish to make from scratch, but there are also pre-made mole pastes or powders available in stores for convenience.
- 10. Mole is a versatile sauce that can be customized to suit individual tastes, with variations including green mole (mole verde) or mole negro (black mole). It is a unique and flavorful addition to any Mexican meal.