How To Make Chicken Mole Dona Maria: A Step-by-step Guide

Indulge in the tantalizing world of Mexican cuisine with this comprehensive guide on how to make Chicken Mole Doña Maria. Known for its rich, complex flavors and vibrant colors, this traditional dish is a culinary masterpiece that embodies the essence of Mexican gastronomy.

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• 1 onion, quartered
• 2 garlic cloves, smashed
• 2 bay leaves
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Mole Sauce:

• 1 pound dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 1 pound dried pasilla chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 1 pound dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 1 pound dried chipotle chiles, stemmed and seeded
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 cup tomato puree
• 1/2 cup unsweetened chocolate, chopped
• 1/4 cup raisins
• 1/4 cup almonds, toasted and chopped
• 1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
• 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds, toasted

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• In a large pot, combine the chicken, onion, garlic, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the chicken is cooked through.
• Remove the chicken from the pot and set aside to cool. Reserve the cooking liquid.

2. Toast the Chiles:

• Heat a griddle or skillet over medium heat. Toast the ancho, pasilla, guajillo, and chipotle chiles for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are fragrant and slightly charred.

3. Rehydrate the Chiles:

• In a large bowl, cover the toasted chiles with hot water. Let them soak for 30 minutes, or until they are softened.

4. Make the Mole Sauce:

• Strain the softened chiles, reserving the soaking liquid.
• In a blender, combine the chiles, the reserved soaking liquid, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, and black pepper. Puree until smooth.
• In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the mole sauce and cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Stir in the chicken broth, tomato puree, chocolate, raisins, almonds, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the sauce has thickened.

5. Shred the Chicken:

• Once the chicken has cooled, remove the meat from the bones and shred it into bite-sized pieces.

6. Assemble the Dish:

• In a large skillet, heat some of the mole sauce. Add the shredded chicken and stir to coat.
• Serve the Chicken Mole Doña Maria over rice, tortillas, or crusty bread. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.

Tips:

• For a richer flavor, use a combination of chicken broth and dark chocolate.
• If the mole sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth. If it’s too thin, simmer it for longer.
• The mole sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• Serve the Chicken Mole Doña Maria with a side of warm tortillas or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations:

• Add other ingredients to the mole sauce: such as peanuts, walnuts, or dried fruit.
• Use different types of chiles: such as habanero or serrano chiles for a spicier mole sauce.
• Make it vegetarian: by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and omitting the chicken.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the Chicken Mole Doña Maria with rice, tortillas, or crusty bread.
• Garnish with fresh cilantro, sesame seeds, and a dollop of sour cream.
• Accompany it with a side of beans, salad, or guacamole.

Beyond the Recipe: The Cultural Significance of Mole Doña Maria

Mole Doña Maria is not just a dish; it’s a culinary symbol of Mexican culture. Its complex flavors and vibrant colors represent the rich heritage and diversity of Mexican cuisine. The dish is often served at special occasions, such as weddings, baptisms, and religious festivals, where it brings people together to share in its deliciousness and cultural significance.

Basics You Wanted To Know

1. What is the best type of chocolate to use in Chicken Mole Doña Maria?

• Use unsweetened chocolate with a high cocoa content for the best flavor.

2. Can I make the mole sauce ahead of time?

• Yes, the mole sauce can be made up to 5 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

3. What can I do if the mole sauce is too thick?

• Add more chicken broth to thin out the sauce.

4. What is a good side dish to serve with Chicken Mole Doña Maria?

• Rice, tortillas, or crusty bread are all excellent side dishes for this dish.

5. How long does it take to cook Chicken Mole Doña Maria?

• The total cooking time is approximately 2 hours, including the time to prepare the chicken and the mole sauce.