Chicken with Pumpkin-Seed Mole
This rich pumpkin-seed sauce, based on traditional Mexican moles, is made with green herbs, and is just as satisfying as cheese- or cream-based sauces but contains far less saturated fat and fewer calories. Serve the dish with rice for an authentic accompaniment.
Recipe information
Yield
serves 6
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Place chicken in a 4-quart pot, and add water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat, and let stand 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate, and tent loosely with foil. Discard water.
Step 2
Roast both chiles directly over the flame of a gas-stove burner on high heat, turning with tongs, until blackened all over. (Alternately, place chiles under the broiler, turning often, until skin has charred.) Transfer the chiles to a bowl, and cover with plastic wrap. Let steam 15 minutes. Using paper towels, rub off skins, then remove stems, seeds, and ribs.
Step 3
In a blender, puree roasted chiles, onion, garlic, cilantro leaves, cumin, oregano, toasted pumpkin seeds, and 1/2 cup broth to form a coarse paste.
Step 4
Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium. Add chile paste, and cook, stirring constantly, until very thick, about 8 minutes. (Reduce heat if mixture begins to scorch.) Whisk remaining 1 1/2 cups broth into paste until incorporated. Add 1/2 teaspoon salt and the lime juice.
Step 5
Add chicken to sauce in skillet. Cook over medium-low heat, turning occasionally, until just heated through, about 5 minutes (do not let simmer, or sauce will “break,” or separate).
Step 6
With tongs, transfer chicken to a cutting board, let excess sauce drip back into pot, and slice in half crosswise. Divide chicken evenly among four plates, spoon sauce on top, and garnish with cilantro sprigs.
Nutrition Information
Step 7
(Per Serving)
Step 8
Calories: 294
Step 9
Saturated Fat: 2.6g
Step 10
Unsaturated Fat: 10.5g
Step 11
Cholesterol: 67mg
Step 12
Carbohydrates: 7.2g
Step 13
Protein: 36g
Step 14
Sodium: 222mg
Step 15
Fiber: 2g