Mark Millers Fruit And Chili Mole Recipes

MOLE COLORADITO

Steps:

• Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 350 degrees F.
• Toast the ancho, guajillo, cascabel, avocado leaves, bay leaf, canela, clove, oregano, cumin, coriander and peppercorns on a rimmed baking sheet until browned in spots (but not charred!) and very fragrant, nutty and spicy, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a large heatproof bowl.
• Toast the raisins, prunes, almonds, peanuts, pecans, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds on the same baking sheet until the nuts are lightly browned and the fruit are puffed and lightly toasted but not burnt, 10 to 12 minutes. Transfer to the bowl with the toasted chiles.
• Meanwhile, heat the schmaltz in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add the plantains and cook until deep golden brown and caramelized on both sides, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl. Add the garlic, onions and 4 teaspoons salt to the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are tender and lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until most of the liquid has evaporated, 5 to 7 minutes. Add the reserved chile mixture, the plantains, and the stock and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer until the chiles are very tender and fragrant, about 30 minutes. Discard the avocado leaves, bay leaf and canela (if you can find them). Remove the pot from the heat and let cool slightly.
• Working in batches, transfer the stewed chiles to a blender and puree until very smooth and thick. Transfer to a large bowl and repeat with the remaining stewed chiles.
• Wipe the pot clean, transfer the mole to the pot and bring to simmer over medium-high heat, stirring constantly to prevent from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Simmer until the mole is the consistency of a smooth, thick tomato sauce, 5 to 10 minutes, adding water or additional stock if the sauce is too thick. Add the chocolate and stir until melted. Season with salt. Remove from the heat. Serve over roasted turkey or roasted chicken. Top with toasted sesame seeds.

MARK MILLER'S FRUIT AND CHILI MOLE

Steps:

• In a cast-iron skillet, or in an oven at 250 degrees, dry-roast the chilies for 5 minutes, being careful that they don't blacken. Shake once or twice.
• Place the chilies and water in a large saucepan and cover; simmer slowly for 30 minutes over medium heat to rehydrate. Drain, reserving 1 cup of water and the chilies; let cool.
• Place the tomatoes in a skillet over medium-high heat and let blacken, about 5 minutes. Place the chilies, tomatoes and remaining ingredients except for the oil in a blender; puree. If the mixture becomes too dry, add a little of the reserved chili water. Put through a strainer.
• Heat the oil in a high-sided skillet until it just begins to smoke. Add the sauce and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring continuously, to heat through. Serve over grilled meats or fish.