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Irresistible Pumpkin Mole Recipe with Dark Chocolate & Chiles

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A rich and flavorful fall-inspired mole sauce made with pumpkin, dark chocolate, and smoky chiles. Perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 2 dried guajillo chiles
  • 2 ounces dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher)
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons nut butter (peanut or almond)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Optional: splash of lime juice
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne

Instructions

  1. Remove the stems and seeds from the dried chiles (ancho and guajillo). Heat a large skillet over medium heat and toast the chiles for about 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Transfer the toasted chiles to a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 15 minutes to soften.
  3. While the chiles are soaking, heat olive oil in the same skillet. Add chopped onion and garlic, sautéing until soft and golden, about 5 minutes.
  4. Drain the soaked chiles and add them to the skillet with the onion and garlic. Stir in the pumpkin puree, tomato paste, cinnamon, cumin, and brown sugar.
  5. Pour in the broth gradually, stirring to combine, and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  6. Transfer the mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the dark chocolate and nut butter. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  7. Return the mole to the skillet, season with salt and pepper to taste, and simmer for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
  8. Adjust consistency by adding more broth if needed. Serve hot over your favorite protein, vegetables, or grains.

Notes

[‘Toast the chiles to enhance their smoky flavor.’, ‘Ensure chiles are fully softened before blending for a smooth texture.’, ‘Use high-quality chocolate and fresh spices for the best flavor.’, ‘Taste and adjust sweetness, salt, and spice levels as needed.’, ‘Leftovers taste even better as the flavors develop overnight.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: Pumpkin mole, dark chocolate mole, fall recipes, Mexican cuisine, mole sauce, pumpkin recipes, autumn comfort food