Embark on a culinary adventure with our Savory Pumpkin Seed Mole, a unique and exquisite twist on the traditional Mexican sauce. This mole combines the nutty richness of toasted pumpkin seeds with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs, creating a sauce that is both deeply flavorful and wonderfully versatile. It's perfect for drizzling over grilled meats or vegetables, adding a layer of complexity to any dish.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Yield: About 2 cups
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
Nutritional Profile (per serving)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Protein: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fat: 12 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fiber: 2 g
Ingredients
- Pumpkin seeds (150 g / 5.3 oz), toasted
- Olive oil (30 ml / 1 fl oz)
- Onion (100 g / 3.5 oz), chopped
- Garlic cloves (10 g / 0.35 oz), minced
- Jalapeño pepper (15 g / 0.5 oz), chopped
- Ground cumin (5 g / 0.2 oz)
- Chicken or vegetable broth (480 ml / 16 fl oz)
- Fresh cilantro (30 g / 1 oz), chopped
- Lime juice (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Toast Pumpkin Seeds: In a dry skillet, toast the pumpkin seeds until they pop and turn golden. Set aside to cool.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, heat olive oil and sauté onion, garlic, and jalapeño until soft.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the toasted pumpkin seeds, sautéed mixture, cumin, broth, cilantro, and lime juice. Blend until smooth.
- Simmer: Return the sauce to the skillet and simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve: Use as a sauce for grilled meats, vegetables, or as a dip.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Seed Preparation: Ensure the pumpkin seeds are well-toasted for maximum flavor.
- Consistency Adjustments: Add more broth if the sauce is too thick.
- Serving Ideas: Excellent with chicken, roasted vegetables, or as a base for enchiladas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use store-bought roasted pumpkin seeds?
Yes, but fresh toasting enhances the flavor.
How long can I store this mole?
Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes, use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.