Mole is one of the most iconic dishes in Mexican cuisine—deep, complex, and incredibly satisfying. Many people think mole takes days and dozens of ingredients, but the truth is you can make an authentic-tasting mole at home with far less effort. In this guide, you’ll discover how easy this mole recipe is, perfect for home cooks in the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada.
This version delivers bold flavor without stress, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
What Is Mole?
Mole (pronounced MOH-lay) is a rich sauce made with a blend of:
Dried chilies
Spices
Nuts or seeds
Chocolate (just a little!)
There are many varieties, but this easy recipe is inspired by mole poblano, the most famous and beloved style.
Why This Easy Mole Recipe Works
Uses accessible ingredients
No grinding dried chilies from scratch
Ready in about 30 minutes
Deep flavor without long cooking time
🌶️ Secret: Layering flavors step by step gives mole its signature depth.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Mole Sauce
2 tbsp vegetable oil
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic
2 tbsp chili powder (or mild Mexican chili blend)
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp cinnamon
2 tbsp peanut butter (or ground peanuts)
1 tbsp sesame seeds
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 oz dark chocolate (70% cocoa preferred)
Salt to taste
For Serving
Cooked chicken, turkey, or roasted vegetables
Rice or warm tortillas
Sesame seeds for garnish
Step-by-Step: How Easy This Mole Recipe Is
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Heat oil in a pan. Add onion and cook until soft, then add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
Stir in chili powder, cumin, and cinnamon. Toast lightly for 30 seconds to release aromas.
Step 3: Add Nutty Richness
Mix in peanut butter and sesame seeds. Stir until smooth and combined.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Slowly pour in broth while stirring. Simmer for 10–15 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 5: Add Chocolate
Stir in dark chocolate until melted. Season with salt to taste.
✨ That’s it—your mole is ready!
How to Serve Mole
Traditional and modern serving ideas:
Over chicken thighs or breasts
With turkey or pork
As a sauce for roasted vegetables
Spoon over enchiladas or tacos
Garnish with sesame seeds and serve with rice or tortillas.
Tips for Perfect Easy Mole Every Time
Use dark chocolate, not milk chocolate
Don’t overpower with cinnamon—less is more
Simmer gently to prevent bitterness
Taste and adjust seasoning at the end
Easy Mole Variations
Vegan Mole
Use vegetable broth and serve with roasted cauliflower or sweet potatoes.
Spicy Mole
Add cayenne or chipotle powder.
Sweet-Forward Mole
Add a touch of honey or brown sugar.
Extra Smooth Mole
Blend sauce briefly with an immersion blender.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Adding too much chocolate
❌ Boiling aggressively
❌ Skipping the nut or seed element
❌ Over-seasoning early
Mole should be balanced, not overpowering.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
Refrigerate up to 4 days
Freeze up to 3 months
Reheat gently with extra broth if needed
Mole often tastes even better the next day.
Final Thoughts
You truly won’t believe how easy this mole recipe is until you try it. With a handful of pantry ingredients and simple steps, you can enjoy one of the world’s most flavorful sauces right at home. Rich, comforting, and deeply satisfying, this easy mole proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to be complicated 🌶️🍫