Indulge in Our Mouthwatering Vegetarian Mole Tonight
Dearest Epicureans,
Are you looking for a dish that seamlessly combines the best of Mexican cuisine’s flavors, textures, and versatility? Look no further than this quick and easy vegetarian mole recipe. Imagine savoring mouth-watering and complex flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Yes, it is possible with this recipe!
For those unfamiliar with Mole, let me introduce you to its rich history. Mole is a sauce prepared in many regions of Mexico, consisting of ingredients such as chili peppers, nuts, fruits, spices, and many variations of chocolate (including dark chocolate) that meld together into a harmonious mix. It has become one of Mexico’s most beloved dishes since pre-Columbian times and is an essential part of Mexican cuisine.
In our recipe, we will be using sweet potatoes, red kidney beans, diced tomatoes alongside traditional flavored ingredients like cumin, coriander and garlic cloves to create a plant-based version that you can enjoy guilt-free. The vegan mole maintains the original characteristic flavors while catering to the vegetarian-indulgent lifestyle.
Whether you choose to serve it as a filling for your favorite burrito or accompany it with rice as stir-fry dishes in vegan Buddha bowl for your weeknight meals or as the base sauce for vegetarian Enchiladas sauce or roasted Cauliflower Tacos- be assured this dish will not disappoint.
Let’s gather our ingredients together and embark on a journey to relish the one of the best Mexican vegetarian dishes ever made.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Allow me to introduce you to a truly exceptional recipe – a quick and easy vegetarian mole that will undoubtedly become your new favorite dish. As a vegan chef, I have tried and tested numerous versions of this classic Mexican sauce, but this recipe stands out because it is nothing short of fantastic.
The combination of dark chocolate, garlic, onion, and red kidney beans results in a rich and flavorful mole sauce that is both savory and slightly sweet. This dish incorporates some elements from the traditional Mole Poblano recipe but simplifies the process to create a quick mole sauce that you can make in under an hour.
Those who enjoy bold flavors and seek something a little different will love this vegetarian mole. This recipe caters not only to vegans and vegetarians but also to meat-eaters who want to try something new. Virgin palates be warned, one taste may turn into obsession.
This vegetarian mole is perfect for anyone who loves Mexican food or is looking for a healthier alternative. It makes for a satisfying meal on its own, but it’s also versatile enough to add some variety to your regular dishes like tacos or enchiladas. If you’re interested in stepping out of your comfort zone and trying something new, this dish promises to be nothing short of unforgettable.
Ingredient List
Let’s talk about the ingredients that we are going to use in this quick and easy vegetarian mole recipe. You will be surprised at how few and simple things you need to make this scrumptious Mexican dish. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to get started:
Ingredients:
- Olive oil: 2 tbsp.
- Red onions chopped: 1
- Garlic cloves crushed: 3-4
- Sweet potatoes peeled and diced into 1/2-inch pieces: 2 cups
- Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14.5 ounce)
- Red kidney beans:1 can (15 ounce)
- Water: 1 cup
- Dark chocolate chips: 1/2 cup
- Mole sauce: 1 jar (8 ounce)
- Vegetable broth: 2 cups
- Ground cinnamon: 1/4 teaspoon
- Ground cumin: 1 tablespoon
- Ground coriander: 1 tablespoon
These are all the necessary ingredients to prepare the perfect vegetarian mole. You might already have most of them in your pantry! If not, it is an excellent idea to visit the grocery store and shop for this recipe’s required elements beforehand.
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s dive into the recipe. Here are the steps to make this effortless Quick and Easy Vegetarian Mole:
Step 1: Roast The Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 375°F. On a baking sheet, add 2 cups of diced sweet potatoes and 1 large red onion sliced. Drizzle 2 tbsp of olive oil and sprinkle salt and pepper over the vegetables. Toss them well so they are evenly coated in oil.
Roast for 20 minutes, or until the vegetables are cooked through and golden.
Step 2: Mole Sauce Prep
As we wait for the veggies to roast, let’s get started with the mole sauce.
In a pot over high heat, combine 1 chopped yellow onion, 4 cloves minced garlic, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Saute for 3 minutes until the onions are translucent.
Next, stir in 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 tablespoon coriander, 1 tablespoon chili powder, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon in the pot and mix well.
Then add 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz.)*, unsweetened dark chocolate (½ cup), crushed garlic cloves (2)*, vegetable broth (4 cups)in the pot with other spices. Bring it to boil then reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes**.
Step 3: Blend Everything Together
After ten minutes turn off the stove flame and set aside this mixture to cool for a bit while we finish preparing all other ingredients
Add roasted sweet potatoes, sauteed onions along with raisins in a blender jar followed by mole sauce mixture. Blend everything together to make a smooth paste.
## Step 4: Mix Beans with Mole
In a saucepan over medium heat, sautee rinsed and drained red kidney beans (2 cups) along with quorn meatless pieces (optional) in olive oil – approx half tablespoon for 4 minutes until cooked through.
Now add spicy mole paste from blender and mix everything together on low flame. Let it cook for another few minutes so that flavors can blend well.
The vegetarian mole is ready! Serve it hot over rice or tacos else check out serving variations below.
Substitutions and Variations
Dearest readers, while my original recipe is sure to delight and satisfy, it’s always fun to mix and match ingredients to make the dish uniquely your own. Here are some substitutions and variations I recommend:
– For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free vegetable broth instead of regular broth.
– If you prefer a spicier mole, add a dash of cayenne pepper or diced jalapenos when cooking. Conversely, if you’re sensitive to spicy food, omit the chili powder and cumin.
– Want to switch up the protein? Try adding quorn meatless pieces in place of the red kidney beans for a hearty vegetarian meal.
– For added sweetness, toss in 3/4 cup of raisins or substitute sweet potatoes with butternut squash.
– For those who detest the taste of sweet potatoes, you can switch it out with roasted cauliflower instead!
– Serve as tacos instead of enchiladas for an easy-to-eat twist!
– Finally, consider serving this delicious mole sauce on top of rice or in a vegan Buddha bowl!
Oh, there are so many possibilities to take advantage of! The true beauty of cooking is that recipes are only guidelines rather than hard-and-fast rules. So get creative and let your inner chef shine by mixing and matching substitutes and variations that tickle your fancy.
Serving and Pairing
As I consider the best dishes to serve with this vegan mole, my mind seems to wander to a Mexican fiesta: the colorful decorations, the lively music and of course, the delicious food! I have no doubt that this quick and easy vegetarian mole recipe would make a great addition to any Mexican spread.
To begin with, I would suggest pairing the mole with some classic Mexican sides like rice, beans and guacamole. You could also add some roasted sweet potatoes or cauliflower, which will bring an extra hit of earthy flavors to this dish.
For those who prefer tortillas over rice, vegan mole enchiladas are a great choice. Simply place a generous amount of filling (such as mushroom, quorn meatless pieces or butternut squash) into each tortilla, roll them up tightly and place them seam side down in a baking dish. Pour the mole sauce over the top and cover with cheese (or vegan cheese substitute) before baking. The end result is an immensely satisfying dinner that will leave you feeling full and content.
If you’re looking for a lighter meal option, try serving this vegan mole as part of a Buddha bowl. Layer brown rice or quinoa at the bottom of your bowl then add your favorite veggies like spinach, kale, roasted sweet potato or squash, red onion and sliced avocado. Drizzle some vegan mole sauce on top or mix it together for full flavor impact!
Whichever way you choose to serve it, this quick and easy vegetarian mole recipe is sure to be a hit at your next dinner party or family meal. Play up its Mexican roots by serving it alongside other spicy traditional dishes, refreshing drinks and a generous helping of laughter and lively conversation.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
My dearest readers, if there is something I love more than a heavenly dish, it might just be the convenience of meal prep. With this quick and easy vegetarian mole recipe, you can easily make it ahead of time and store it for future meals.
To make ahead, simply follow the recipe instructions up until simmering the mole sauce. Once the sauce has reached a desired thickness, you can let it cool completely and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
If reheating from refrigeration, simply reheat on medium-high heat in a saucepan with a splash of water or vegetable broth until heated through. If reheating from frozen, defrost in refrigeration overnight before following the same reheating instructions.
This dish also makes for fantastic leftovers that can be enjoyed for multiple meals throughout the week. You can use it as a topping for roasted cauliflower or sweet potato, add it to your favorite vegetarian tacos or buddha bowls, or even use it as a sauce for vegan mole enchiladas.
With just a little bit of foresight and planning, you can enjoy this delectable dish with ease at any point during the week.
Tips for Perfect Results
To create the best vegetarian mole, you need to carefully consider the ingredients and the cooking process. The following tips will help ensure that your dish is full of flavor and texture:
Firstly, make sure to use high-quality dark chocolate in your mole sauce. This adds a rich, indulgent sweetness to the dish and is essential for creating an authentic taste.
Secondly, be sure to season your dish generously with spices. Adding a blend of ground cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and garlic will make your mole savory and flavorful.
Thirdly, experiment with different vegetables to add layers of flavor and texture to your mole. Sweet potato or butternut squash are excellent choices as they add a natural sweetness and creaminess to the dish.
Fourthly, don’t be afraid to get creative with your serving suggestions. Mole enchiladas are a classic choice, but try serving mole sauce over roasted cauliflower or as a topping for vegan buddha bowls.
Finally, be patient when making the mole sauce as it requires time and attention to reach its full potential. Give yourself ample time to allow the flavors to develop by simmering on a low heat for at least 30 minutes.
By following these tips, you can create a delicious vegetarian mole that is sure to impress any guest at your table.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Quick and Easy Vegetarian Mole Recipe is the perfect dish to add some flavorful and unique taste to your meals. With its combination of sweet potatoes, red kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and spices like cinnamon, cumin, and coriander, this mole sauce is a delicious addition to vegetarian meals.
Thanks to the addition of dark chocolate, this recipe provides a rich and satisfying Mexican flavor that will surely leave you wanting more. Plus, with easy-to-find ingredients such as garlic cloves, onion, and olive oil, you can quickly whip up this dish in no time.
Additionally, this recipe is incredibly versatile and can be adapted to suit any dietary restrictions or preferences. Whether you prefer vegan or gluten-free options or have specific ingredient substitutions in mind, this recipe can easily accommodate your needs.
So why not try out this recipe today? Serve it as a hearty main dish with some roasted cauliflower or butternut squash on the side or use it as a flavorful topping for tacos or a vegan buddha bowl. Whatever way you choose to enjoy it, this quick and easy vegetarian mole recipe is sure to impress!
Quick and Easy Vegetarian Mole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 red onion, chopped
- 1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, crushed
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 lb sweet potato, cubed
- 1 (14 ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (14 ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 teaspoons sweet chili sauce
- 1 1/4 cups water
- 1 ounce dark chocolate, grated
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a large frying pan and fry the onion, pepper, garlic and spices for 5 minutes.
- Add the sweet potatoes, tomatoes, beans, chili sauce, and water and bring to a boil.
- Cover and simmer gently for 30 minutes.
- Stir in the chocolate and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- ENJOY!
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.