Como agua para chocolate is more than just a phrase in Mexican culture—it’s an expression that captures deep passion and intensity, literally meaning “like water for chocolate.” This evocative phrase refers to water heated to the perfect temperature for melting chocolate, symbolizing moments of emotional heat and tenderness.
Inspired by the beloved novel and film, recipes that carry this name embody rich, comforting flavors infused with tradition and love. Today, we’re diving into some authentic como agua para chocolate recipes that bring the spirit of Mexico’s culinary heritage right to your kitchen.
From savory dishes with smoky, spicy notes to luscious desserts bursting with chocolate and warmth, these recipes will make you feel the passion and soul of Mexican cuisine.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a curious food lover, these recipes are approachable yet impressive, perfect for family dinners, celebrations, or cozy nights in. Let’s explore the magic of como agua para chocolate recipes that promise mouthwatering tastes and unforgettable moments.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Como agua para chocolate recipes are beloved because they perfectly balance bold flavors with comforting textures. These dishes bring together traditional Mexican ingredients like chili, cinnamon, and chocolate to create layers of complexity that delight every bite.
The combination of sweet, spicy, and savory elements makes them incredibly versatile—ideal for both main courses and desserts.
Moreover, these recipes evoke a cultural experience, connecting you to a rich heritage and storytelling through food. The process of making them often involves slow, attentive cooking, which helps you slow down and savor the moment.
Plus, they’re a fantastic way to impress guests or treat yourself with something both hearty and indulgent.
If you enjoy dishes with depth, warmth, and a touch of romance, como agua para chocolate recipes are sure to become favorites in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 4 dried ancho chilies, seeded and deveined
- 2 dried guajillo chilies, seeded and deveined
- 2 cups chicken broth (or vegetable broth for vegetarian)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons Mexican chocolate (or bittersweet chocolate)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (optional for non-vegetarian)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
- 4 corn tortillas for serving
Equipment
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Medium saucepan
- Blender or food processor
- Cutting board and sharp knife
- Strainer or sieve
- Mixing spoon
- Serving plates or bowls
Instructions
- Prepare the chilies: Toast the dried ancho and guajillo chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them.
- Soak the chilies: Transfer the toasted chilies to a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for about 15 minutes until softened.
- Make the chili sauce: Drain the chilies, reserving the soaking water. Add the chilies, onion, garlic, cinnamon, and 1 cup of the reserved soaking water to a blender. Blend until smooth.
- Cook the sauce: Heat the vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Pour in the chili puree and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Add broth and chocolate: Slowly stir in the chicken or vegetable broth and Mexican chocolate. Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes until thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine with chicken: If using, add the shredded chicken to the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Cook for another 5 minutes to heat through.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat corn tortillas in a dry skillet until pliable and warm.
- Serve: Ladle the chicken and sauce over warm tortillas. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
Tip: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit the chicken. You can add sautéed mushrooms or roasted vegetables for added texture and flavor.
Variation: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a deeper smoky flavor. You can also drizzle a bit of crema or sour cream on top for creaminess if desired.
Pro Tip: If you can’t find Mexican chocolate, use good quality bittersweet chocolate and add a teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of cinnamon to mimic the flavor.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 18 g |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sodium | 550 mg |
Serving Suggestions
Como agua para chocolate dishes are wonderfully versatile. Serve this rich chicken chile sauce wrapped in warm corn tortillas with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans for a complete meal.
A fresh avocado salad or pickled onions complement the bold flavors beautifully.
For dessert lovers, consider pairing your meal with one of the traditional chocolate-based desserts inspired by the phrase, like Berry Cobbler Recipe Vegan: Easy, Delicious, and Healthy to balance the spicy warmth with fruity sweetness.
Exploring More Como Agua Para Chocolate Recipes
To fully embrace the culinary essence of como agua para chocolate, here are a few other inspired recipes that you can try at home:
- Mole Poblano: A rich, complex sauce made with various chilies, spices, nuts, and chocolate. Perfect over chicken or enchiladas.
- Chocolate Chili Hot Sauce: A spicy, chocolate-infused hot sauce that adds a unique kick to tacos and grilled vegetables.
- Spicy Mexican Hot Chocolate: A comforting drink combining dark chocolate, cinnamon, and chili powders for warmth and depth.
Why Not Explore These Delicious Recipes Too?
If you love bold, flavorful meals, check out these fantastic recipes from our collection that pair well with the como agua para chocolate theme:
- Backpacking Dehydrated Vegan Meal Recipes for Easy Camping – Great for flavorful, portable meals.
- Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious – A fragrant, spicy rice dish packed with flavor.
- Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious – Perfect quick bites with rich, spicy fillings.
Conclusion
Como agua para chocolate recipes offer a wonderful gateway into the rich and passionate world of Mexican cooking. Their bold, layered flavors and heartwarming ingredients capture the essence of tradition and storytelling through food.
Whether you are simmering a spicy chili sauce or melting chocolate for a sweet treat, these recipes invite you to embrace the art of cooking with love and patience.
By trying these recipes, you not only enjoy delicious food but also connect with a cultural heritage that celebrates passion in the kitchen. So gather your ingredients, turn up the heat, and get ready to experience the magic of como agua para chocolate in your own home.
Happy cooking!
📖 Recipe Card: Como Agua Para Chocolate – Mexican Chocolate Mole
Description: A rich and flavorful mole sauce inspired by the classic Mexican dish featured in 'Como Agua Para Chocolate.' This recipe blends chocolate with spices to create a perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT1H
Total Time: PT1H20M
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 4 dried ancho chiles, seeded and deveined
- 2 dried pasilla chiles, seeded and deveined
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 2 ounces Mexican chocolate, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Toast the dried chiles in a dry skillet until fragrant.
- Soak toasted chiles in hot water for 20 minutes, then drain.
- Toast sesame seeds until golden and set aside.
- Heat oil in a pan, sauté onion and garlic until soft.
- Add soaked chiles, toasted sesame seeds, cinnamon, cumin, and cloves; cook for 5 minutes.
- Blend mixture with chicken broth until smooth.
- Return sauce to pan, add chopped chocolate and sugar.
- Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Serve warm over chicken or rice.
Nutrition: Calories: 250 kcal | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 15 g | Carbs: 20 g
{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Como Agua Para Chocolate – Mexican Chocolate Mole”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A rich and flavorful mole sauce inspired by the classic Mexican dish featured in ‘Como Agua Para Chocolate.’ This recipe blends chocolate with spices to create a perfect balance of sweet and savory.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT1H”, “totalTime”: “PT1H20M”, “recipeYield”: “6 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“4 dried ancho chiles, seeded and deveined”, “2 dried pasilla chiles, seeded and deveined”, “1/4 cup sesame seeds”, “2 tablespoons vegetable oil”, “1 small onion, chopped”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1 teaspoon ground cinnamon”, “1/2 teaspoon ground cumin”, “1/4 teaspoon ground cloves”, “2 ounces Mexican chocolate, chopped”, “2 cups chicken broth”, “1 tablespoon sugar”, “Salt to taste”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toast the dried chiles in a dry skillet until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Soak toasted chiles in hot water for 20 minutes, then drain.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toast sesame seeds until golden and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat oil in a pan, saut\u00e9 onion and garlic until soft.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add soaked chiles, toasted sesame seeds, cinnamon, cumin, and cloves; cook for 5 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Blend mixture with chicken broth until smooth.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Return sauce to pan, add chopped chocolate and sugar.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Season with salt to taste.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve warm over chicken or rice.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “250 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “5 g”, “fatContent”: “15 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “20 g”}}
