My Own Mole

Elmotoo's Note:

In looking at mole recipes, there is always some part that I would change. So, I did some research, read loads of recipes, picked out the parts (ingredients & measurements) that I like best & created my own recipe! I found some shortcuts; the ingredient list is still typically long but there's nothing difficult to find . It's YUMMY, imho. ;) It's nice & spicy & there's heat but it won't blow the back of your head off. Lovely texture. Great depth of flavor. It's also easy & doesn't take very long!

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 6 c

• 3 ancho chilies
• 3 cups boiling water
• 1/4 cup sesame seed
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• 1 large onion, coarsely chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, mashed
• 2 chipotle chiles in adobo
• 28 ounces tomatoes, whole, chopped, pureed, it doesn't matter because it's all getting pureed in the end
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter (creamy) or 2 tablespoons almond butter (creamy)
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 6 tablespoons cocoa powder, NOT Dutch processed
• 2 cups water (from soaking the ancho peppers)
• 1 ounce dark chocolate, good quality

Directions:

1. Pour boiling water over ancho peppers in a bowl & set aside to soak for 30 minutes or more until soft. Drain, reserving water but discard the stems & seeds. Set aside.
2. Toast the sesame seeds & set aside.
3. Heat oil in large saucepot. Add chopped onion & saute until soft. Add smashed garlic & saute a few minutes longer. Add chipotles, soaked ancho peppers, tomatoes, peanut (or almond) butter, raisins, spices & ancho water. Stir & bring to a simmer.
4. Using a slotted spoon, scoop out all the solids into a blender. Add toasted sesame seeds. Puree thoroughly. Add back to pot. Simmer 15 minutes until thickened. Taste for seasoning.
5. This can be served with anything - chicken, beef, pork, tempeh, tofu,turkey -- tonight I served it with pork tenderloin that I seasoned with salt & pepper, seared well in a cast iron skillet, covered with a few ladlefuls of sauce & finished in a 400F oven.