OAXACA & MOLE

Oaxaca City in the Centro District in the Central Valleys region of the state. Heritage and cultural tourism makes up an important part of the city's economy, and it has numerous colonial-era structures as well as significant archeological sites and elements of the continuing native Zapotec and Mixtec cultures.

It is the site of the month-long cultural festival called the "Guelaguetza", which features Oaxacan dance from the seven regions, music, and a beauty pageant for indigenous women.

 

The city is also known as "la Verde Antequera" and the variety of structures built from a native green stone. The name Oaxaca is derived from the Nahuatl name for the place, Huaxyacac, which was Hispanicized to Guajaca, later spelled Oaxaca. In 1872, "de Juárez" was added in honor of Benito Juárez, a native of this state who became president, serving from 1852 to 1872.

The Plaza de la Constitución, or Zócalo, was planned out in 1529 by Juan Peláez de Berrio. During the entire colonial period this plaza was never paved, nor had sidewalks, only a marble fountain that was placed here in 1739. This was removed in 1857 to put in the bandstand and trees were planted. In 1881, the vegetation here was rearranged and in 1885, a statue of Benito Juárez was added. It was remodeled again in 1901 and a new Art Nouveau bandstand installed. Fountains of green stone with capricious figures were installed in 1967. The bandstand in the center hosts the State Musical Band, La Marimba and other groups

The architectural style is basically Andalucian modified by Oaxaca traditions.  The main portal is Spanish Baroque and has three levels. In the first, there are two "tritóstila" columns that support the balcony which has wrought iron railings.  At the top of the window is seal of the Jesuits. The third level contains a central niche with a sculpture of an archangel as well as the coats of arms of the Laso de la Vega and the Pinelo families.

5. MOLE VERDE

White on the outside, green on the inside — that’s a pumpkin seed. Extra pepitas or pipian, along with fresh tomatillos, jalapenos and cilantro are the key ingredients in bright green mole verde. It can be diluted with chicken stock when it’s finished and poured over cooked chicken to make a soupy sauce mopped up with tortillas or bread.

6. MOLE CHICHILO 

This one’s a little more intense. Round up all the beef bones y as you’re going to need them. This dark, spicy sauce starts with rich, homemade beef stock. The stock rehydrates dried chiles de arbol, anchos and guajillos which you then blend with the usual slow-cooked garlic and onions. Mole chichilo is thickened with either masa harina, lime-cured corn flour, or crushed fresh tortillas. No chocolate here but excellent for braises.

7. MOLE MANCHAMANTEL 

This  mole is between the bright red chorizo grease, tomatoes and ancho chiles, you do not want to get this stuff on anything white. Featuring fresh pineapple in addition to plantain, manchamantel is a sweet, spicy, fruity sauce . Hence the name - translated into "tablecloth-staining"

HOW TO MAKE MOLE AMARILLO

Mole amarillo (yellow mole) is a traditional Oaxacan dish known for its unique flavor profile, combining chilies, spices, and masa to create a vibrant yellow sauce. Here's a detailed recipe to make mole amarillo:

Ingredients

For the Mole

• 4 dried guajillo chilies, seeds and stems removed
• 2 dried chilhuacle amarillo chilies, seeds and stems removed (or substitute with aji amarillo or yellow bell pepper if unavailable)
• 4 tomatillos, husked and washed
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion, quartered
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons masa harina (corn dough flour)
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• Salt to taste

For the Dish

• 1 lb chicken thighs or pork shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 2 chayotes, peeled and cubed
• 1 zucchini, cubed
• 1 bunch green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
• 1 ear of corn, kernels removed
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Mole Sauce

1. Toast the Chilies:
   • Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Toast the guajillo and chilhuacle amarillo chilies until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn them.
2. Soak the Chilies:
   • Place the toasted chilies in a bowl and cover with hot water. Let them soak for about 20 minutes until softened.
3. Blend the Sauce:
   • In a blender, combine the soaked chilies, tomatillos, garlic, onion, cumin seeds, oregano, cinnamon, cloves, and masa harina. Add 1 cup of the soaking water from the chilies and blend until smooth.
4. Cook the Sauce:
   • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat. Pour in the blended sauce and cook for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
   • Add the chicken or vegetable broth gradually, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for about 20-30 minutes, or until the sauce thickens. Season with salt to taste.

Prepare the Dish

1. Cook the Meat:
   • In a separate pot, cook the chicken or pork with a bit of salt until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
   • In the same pot used for the meat, add the potatoes, chayotes, zucchini, green beans, and corn. Add enough water to cover the vegetables and cook until tender but not mushy.
3. Combine and Serve:
   • Add the cooked meat to the pot with the vegetables.
   • Pour the mole amarillo sauce over the meat and vegetables. Stir gently to combine and heat through.
   • Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.

Enjoy your mole Amarillo with warm tortillas ( blue corn if you can )

 

 

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