Authentic Mole Recipe Vegan Style Made Easy and Delicious

Mole is a cornerstone of Mexican cuisine, renowned for its complex layers of flavors and rich, velvety texture. Traditionally, mole sauce contains a blend of roasted chiles, spices, nuts, seeds, and even chocolate, making it a culinary masterpiece.

However, many classic mole recipes include animal products like chicken broth or lard. Today, we’re diving into an authentic mole recipe vegan style that honors the traditional flavors while keeping it 100% plant-based.

This vibrant sauce is perfect for those who want to enjoy the deep, smoky, and slightly sweet notes of mole without compromising on vegan principles.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or just experimenting with plant-based dishes, this recipe will show you how to create a luscious mole from scratch using wholesome ingredients. It’s an excellent way to impress guests or simply elevate a weekday dinner with something truly special.

Plus, the sauce freezes beautifully, so you can savor it any time you crave that unmistakable mole magic.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This vegan mole recipe is a celebration of authentic Mexican flavors with a compassionate twist. The sauce boasts a perfect balance of smoky, spicy, and sweet notes, achieved through a careful blend of dried chiles, spices, and a touch of dark chocolate.

Unlike many store-bought versions, this homemade mole is free from preservatives and animal products, making it both healthy and ethically satisfying.

The recipe is surprisingly easy to follow and uses ingredients that can be found in most grocery stores or specialty markets. It’s versatile enough to pair with rice, roasted vegetables, tofu, or your favorite vegan protein.

Plus, it stores well, giving you a flavorful option ready to go for busy days.

Ingredients

• 4 dried pasilla chiles
• 3 dried ancho chiles
• 2 dried guajillo chiles
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium tomatoes, roasted
• 1/4 cup raw almonds
• 2 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1 tbsp pumpkin seeds
• 1 tsp cumin seeds
• 1 tsp coriander seeds
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp chili powder (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 oz vegan dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp maple syrup or agave

Equipment

• Large skillet or frying pan for toasting and roasting
• Medium saucepan
• Blender or food processor
• Fine mesh strainer or sieve
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions

1. Prepare the chiles: Remove stems and seeds from the pasilla, ancho, and guajillo chiles. Toast them lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes per side until fragrant but not burnt. Then, soak them in hot water for 20 minutes until softened.
2. Toast the nuts and seeds: In the same dry skillet, toast the almonds, sesame seeds, and pumpkin seeds until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside.
3. Toast the spices: Toast cumin seeds, coriander seeds, and oregano briefly in the skillet until aromatic, then grind them using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
4. Roast the vegetables: Roast the tomatoes under a broiler or on a hot skillet until charred slightly and soft. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic in olive oil until translucent and golden.
5. Blend the sauce: Drain the chiles and add them to a blender with the roasted tomatoes, sautéed onions and garlic, toasted nuts and seeds, ground spices, cinnamon, chili powder, vegetable broth, apple cider vinegar, maple syrup, and salt. Blend until smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add more vegetable broth to reach a saucy consistency.
6. Cook the mole: Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan. Simmer gently over low heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Add the chocolate: Stir in the vegan dark chocolate until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
8. Strain the sauce: For an ultra-smooth mole, press the sauce through a fine mesh strainer or sieve, discarding any fibrous bits.
9. Final simmer: Return the strained mole to the saucepan and simmer for an additional 10 minutes to deepen flavors. Keep warm until ready to serve.

Tips & Variations

“Authentic mole is all about balance and patience. Don’t rush the roasting and toasting steps — they develop the deep, smoky flavors that make mole so special.”

• Adjust heat: If you prefer a spicier mole, add more dried chiles or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Nut alternatives: Substitute almonds with peanuts or cashews if preferred, but keep the total quantity the same.
• Chocolate choice: Use a high-quality vegan dark chocolate for the best flavor. Avoid overly sweet varieties.
• Make ahead: Mole sauce can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for 3 months, making it perfect for meal prep.
• Smoky twist: For an extra smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This vegan mole sauce pairs beautifully with a variety of dishes. Serve it over warm steamed rice or quinoa for a simple meal.

It also complements roasted vegetables, tofu, tempeh, or grilled portobello mushrooms.

For a true Mexican feast, drizzle mole over enchiladas stuffed with beans and veggies. Or try it as a sauce base for vegan tacos topped with fresh cilantro, avocado slices, and pickled onions.

Don’t miss exploring other delightful recipes like our Half Runner Beans Recipe or the comforting Grandma’S Old Fashioned Bread Pudding With Vanilla Sauce Recipe for dessert after your mole meal.

Conclusion

Creating an authentic vegan mole sauce might seem intimidating at first, but with the right ingredients and step-by-step guidance, it’s a rewarding culinary adventure. This recipe preserves the soulful essence of traditional mole while making it accessible to vegans and anyone seeking a wholesome, flavorful sauce.

Beyond the rich complexity of its flavors, this mole offers a nourishing and versatile addition to your meal repertoire. Once you master this sauce, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again to elevate everything from casual dinners to festive celebrations.

For more inspiring recipes, don’t forget to check out our Kodiak Banana Muffins Recipe – a perfect vegan treat to enjoy alongside your savory creations!

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