Turkey Mole(Mole De Guajolote)
A rich and flavorful Mexican-inspired turkey mole featuring chocolate, spices, raisins, and smoky chipotle, perfect for hearty gatherings and those who love complex, savory sauces.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Skin the turkey leg; cover it with water; add onion (peeled and quartered), coriander seed, and bay leaves.
- Simmer for at least an hour, until meat comes easily off the bone.
- Drain the turkey and reserve the broth.
- Rub the onions, bay leaves, and coriander through a sieve and add the juices to the broth.
- Brown the flour and butter roux a bit and add the warm broth.
- Heat and stir until mixture thickens.
- Add the unsweetened chocolate and allow it to melt completely in the sauce, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in raisins.
- Chop the chipotle or jalapeno and stir into the sauce.
- Cut the cooked turkey into pieces not more than 1 inch square and add to the sauce.
- Sprinkle sesame, caraway, and/or cumin seed on top, then stir in sherry or Madeira and garlic pressed through a garlic press.
- Return to heat and simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Serve with brown rice, yellow squash, and tortillas.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the turkey overnight with spices. If you prefer a milder sauce, use less chipotle or jalapeno. You can substitute unsweetened chocolate with cocoa powder, using about 1 tablespoon mixed with a bit of water. For a gluten-free option, use cornstarch instead of flour for the roux.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the turkey mole over a bed of brown rice or with yellow squash for a hearty meal. Tortillas are a great accompaniment for scooping up the rich sauce. This dish pairs beautifully with 'Lite' Chili for an exciting meal combination. Add a fresh salad or guacamole on the side for extra flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much. You can also freeze the dish for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Turkey Mole(Mole De Guajolote) contains roughly 267 calories, with 10g protein, 39g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (33% of the Daily Value), iron (32% of the Daily Value), and protein (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken instead of turkey for this mole?
Yes, chicken is a great substitute for turkey in this mole recipe. Use chicken thighs or drumsticks for the best results, as they will provide similar tenderness and flavor. Adjust cooking times slightly as chicken may cook faster than turkey.
How can I make this mole spicier?
To increase the spiciness of the mole, add more chipotle or jalapeno to the sauce. You can also include a few dashes of hot sauce or ground cayenne pepper to taste. Start with small increments to avoid overwhelming the dish.
What can I serve alongside turkey mole?
Turkey mole is delicious when served with sides like brown rice, yellow squash, or classic tortillas. A fresh salad or guacamole can complement the flavors well. For a complete meal, consider serving it with Mexican recipes like Migas Rancheras or Betty'S Tex-Mex Beans.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).