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chocolate turkey mole recipe

Mole Poblano: Chocolate-Kissed Turkey Comfort

This simplified mole poblano transforms leftover turkey with a rich, velvety sauce featuring warming spices and a touch of chocolate. The savory-sweet balance creates deep, satisfying flavor in under an hour, making this Mexican classic accessible for any weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mexican
Calories: 385
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1/2 ounce semisweet chocolate finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cornmeal
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons cilantro or parsley chopped
  • 1 tablespoon chili powder preferably ancho
  • 2-4 cups leftover turkey shredded or chopped
  • 2 medium onions chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons corn oil
  • 2 tablespoons canned crushed tomatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
  • 1 (11 ounce) can corn drained

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon
  • Measuring spoons

Method
 

  1. Heat corn oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onions and minced garlic, stirring constantly until completely softened.
  2. Add chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, dried thyme, and ground cinnamon. Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and cornmeal. Continue stirring constantly for 1 minute to activate the spices without burning them.
  3. Pour in chicken broth while stirring. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 15 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and deepen in color.
  4. Stir in the drained corn and leftover turkey. Heat through completely, about 5 minutes.
  5. Add the finely chopped semisweet chocolate, stirring until it melts completely into the sauce.
  6. Just before serving, fold in the chopped cilantro or parsley for freshness and color.

Notes

This simplified mole tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth if the sauce becomes too thick.
Serve with warm corn tortillas, Mexican rice, or black beans for an authentic meal. For a vegetarian version, substitute the turkey with roasted vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.