Mexican Mole Rub Recipes

MOLE SPICE RUB

Steps:

• Whisk together the chile powders, salt, cocoa, sugar, cinnamon, chile de arbol, allspice, cloves and black pepper in a small bowl. Store in an airtight container or small jars with tight-fitting lids for up to 6 months or use in the Mole-Rubbed Braised Chicken Thigh Tacos.
• Season the chicken with salt and pepper. Rub both sides of each thigh with some of the mole spice rub.
• Heat the oil in a Dutch oven large enough to fit the chicken thighs in a single layer. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken to a plate. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of the fat from the pan.
• Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring, for 4 minutes. Add the broth and cilantro; bring to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pot, reduce the heat to low, cover and cook until the chicken is tender, about 40 minutes. Remove the chicken to a plate and let cool slightly then shred with a fork; discard the bones.
• Meanwhile, continue to cook the braising liquid uncovered until reduced by half and thickened, about 15 minutes. Return the shredded chicken to the pot.
• While the braising liquid is reducing, preheat the oven to 300 degrees F. Wrap the tortillas in aluminum foil and warm in the oven.
• Heat a small cast-iron pan over medium heat until heated. Remove a warm tortilla from the foil and cook in the dry pan until slightly charred on both sides. Fill with the chicken, top with guacamole, pickled onions and/or shredded cabbage.

A SIMPLE MOLE ROJO RECIPE

Steps:

• Gather the ingredients.
• Heat the lard in a large skillet over medium-low to medium heat.
• Add the onion and garlic and cook until the onions become translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. When the onion softens enough to drape over your spatula, set the skillet aside. Reserve.
• In a high-speed blender, puree the roasted tomatoes with the peanuts or peanut butter.
• Add the Mexican oregano, cinnamon, anise seeds, peppercorns, thyme, clove, and cocoa powder and blend at high speed to make a smooth paste.
• Add the reserved sautéed onions to the blender and puree again until the mixture becomes very smooth.
• Add the raisins and soaked chiles and blend into a smooth paste.
• Pour 4 cups of chicken broth in a medium pot, and reserve 1/4 for later use.
• Whisk the masa with the reserved 1/4 cup of chicken broth to create a roux.
• Stir the roux into the pot and whisk until smooth.
• Add the pureed ingredients to the pan. Cover and simmer for 1 hour until the mole turns thick and aromatic.
• Uncover, taste, and add salt, if needed.
• Use your homemade mole as a sauce over your preferred dishes. Enjoy!

MOLE BRAISED BEEF SHORT RIBS

Steps:

• Start off by making up the spice rub in a mixing bowl. You will have some left over after this recipe, but it will last a long time and works great as a rub for most any cut of chicken or beef.
• Once the rub is mixed together, apply liberally to the short ribs.
• Preheat a large oven ready fry pan on medium heat. Add the oil and then the ribs. Brown nicely on all sides and then remove from the pan.
• Add the onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until lightly browned, stirring regularly.
• Now add a little of the beef broth and make sure to release any stuck on bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon.
• Add the rest of the broth, bring to a simmer and then stir in the tomato paste.
• Place the short ribs back in the pan and add the peanuts, cinnamon stick and chipotle pepper.
• Make sure that the ribs are between ½ and ¾'s covered and then place in a preheated 375° F oven.
• Cook for 1 ½ - 2 hours, turning the meat every 30 minutes until it is falling off the bone and very tender. You will also need to add water each time you turn the ribs to ensure that they remain at least ½ covered.

MOLE RUBBED GRILLED STEAKS WITH CHARRED CORN

Steps:

• 1. Smash the garlic cloves, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and with the flat side of a large knife, mash and smear the mixture to a coarse paste. Mix paste in bowl with the olive oil ancho powder, cocoa, cumin, and cinnamon. Rub the spice mixture all over the steaks and set aside for 15 minutes.
• 2. Preheat a grill to high and oil the grate. Lay the steaks on the hottest part of the grill and cook until charred, about 4 minutes. Turn and grill the other side until charred, about 4 minutes more for medium-rare. Transfer steaks to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes.
• 3. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a medium skillet and add the corn. Cook, shaking and stirring until the corn chars and butter smells nutty, about 5 minutes. Stir in the cilantro and season with salt and pepper. Serve steaks with the corn.

MEXICAN "MOLE" RUB

Steps:

• Combine all ingredients and mix to blend.
• Can be stored in a jar away from light for 3 months.