Mole sauce recipes are known for their deep, complex flavors, combining spices, chilies, and chocolate notes. When vegan cocoa powder is used to get a deep, savory flavor, a vegan mole sauce can be rich and delicious as the traditional version. If you're making a dark mole sauce for enchiladas, tacos, or roasted vegetables, this guide will help you with the perfect recipe.
Ingredients for Vegan Mole Sauce
Essential Ingredients:
- 2 dried ancho chilies, seeded and soaked
- 1 dried guajillo chili, seeded and soaked
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons vegan cocoa powder
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter or almond butter
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium tomato, chopped
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon raisins
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
How to Make Vegan Mole Sauce?
Step 1: Prepare the Chilies
To make the dried peppers soft, take out the seeds and soak them in hot water for 15 minutes. Once smooth, blend them with ½ cup of veggie broth after they're soft.
Step 2: Toast the Spices
In a pan over medium heat, toast the sesame seeds, cumin, cinnamon, paprika and cloves for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Base
In the same pan, heat olive oil and sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and tomato until soft. Mix the pepper mixture well, after adding it.
Step 4: Add Cocoa Powder
Stir in the vegan cocoa powder, peanut butter, and raisins. Give it five minutes to cook so the tastes can blend.
Step 5: Blend the Sauce
Mix it up and blend it in a blender until it's smooth. If you need to, add more veggie broth to get the consistency you want.
Step 6: Simmer and Serve
Pour the sauce back into the pan and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season with salt to taste.
Ways to Use Dark Mole Sauce
As a Topping
Put dark mole sauce on tacos, enchiladas or roasted veggies to make a dish that is rich and full of flavor.
With Grilled Vegetables
Serve the sauce alongside grilled mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini for a smoky and savory combination.
As a Dipping Sauce
Use vegan mole sauce as a dip for tortilla chips, or warm bread.
Tips for the Best Vegan Mole Sauce
Adjust the Spice Level
If you prefer a milder sauce, use fewer chilies or add a teaspoon of maple syrup for balance.
Use High-Quality Cocoa Powder
Choosing a rich vegan cocoa powder gives deep chocolate flavors and pairs well with spices.
Store for Later
Store leftover mole sauce recipes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days or freeze for up to three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Mole Sauce Without Nuts?
Yes, simply omit the peanut butter or substitute with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version.
What Makes This Mole Sauce Vegan?
In traditional mole, ingredients like lard or chicken broth come from animals. But this vegan mole sauce only has veggie broth and plant-based ingredients.
Can I Use Regular Cocoa Powder Instead?
Yes, but vegan cocoa powder keeps your sauce dairy-free and plant-based.
You can enjoy the rich, real tastes of dark mole sauce without any meat or dairy with this simple recipe. Give it a try today and make your favorite foods taste better.