Monday, October 10, 2011

Monday Mash Up: Tomatoes and Chocolate


I know, so obvious, but I really love a good mole.  A tad sweet, and a twitch of heat.  This one is pretty easy too.  It tastes great in all sorts of dishes, and also as a simmering sauce, or even simply as a dipping sauce for tamales and empanadas.





















Monday Night Mole
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup diced white onion
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 (15 ounce) cans tomato sauce
2 whole star anise
2 cinnamon sticks
3 whole allspice
1 tablespoon (or less to taste) dried red chilies
1 teaspoon chipotle powder, or cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 cup semi sweet non dairy chocolate chips
2 shots brewed espresso (or 1 heaping teaspoon instant espresso powder)
1/2 cup packed brown sugar (dark is best, but light works too)
sea salt and fresh cracked black pepper to taste

In a pot with a tight fitting lid, heat oil over medium high heat.  Add onions and saute until translucent.  Add garlic and cook additional 2 to 3 minutes, until fragrant.  Add tomato sauce, and remaining ingredients.  Stir until chocolate is melted.  Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 30-45 minutes on low heat.  Fish out whole spices before serving.  For an extra smooth sauce, use a stic blender or carefully transfer to a tabletop blender and blend until smooth.  Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to two weeks.

Yield: About 3 cups

6 comments:

K said...

That looks great, I love chocolate and tomato together.

celyn said...

This looks so yummy and easy! I have never, ever tried mole.

Amber @ Zombie Cats Eating Plants said...

ive never heard of such... but i think its calling my name! :)

Christina said...

Wow- too cool, I have a friend that would just love this.
I was just searching blogs and found yours.
So thought I'd make sure you come by and sign up for the Pendant giveaway I have going on at my blog. http://christinas-created-creations.blogspot.com/2011/10/giveaway-time-pendant-pink-in-honor-of.html It will end Oct. 28th at midnight. You have 4 chances to enter.
Thanks and God Bless.
Christina

Erinwiko said...

This sounds so good. I've never tried mole, but I've always wanted to. Most recipes seem too hard- but this one seems just right!

Anonymous said...

Wow, this looks interesting! It never would have occurred to me to put sweetened chocolate together with tomatoes (though I use unsweetened cocoa powder in chili a lot!) I definitely want to try this.

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