Lucy M. You’re probably wondering how chocolate belongs anywhere near turkey, and honestly, that’s the exact reaction most people have before they taste this stuff. This turkey mole recipe is one of those dishes that sounds completely bonkers on paper (I mean, chocolate and chiles in the same sauce), but once you understand how these flavors actually work together, you’ll realize why this dish has been around for centuries.
Want to know the secret? The chocolate doesn’t make it sweet like dessert; instead, it adds depth and richness that balances the heat from the chiles and complexity from the spices. This authentic turkey mole recipe creates a velvety sauce with layers upon layers of flavor: cinnamon, cumin, toasted almonds, sesame seeds, and yes, that mysterious touch of bittersweet chocolate that ties everything together. In just 55 minutes, you’ll have a Mexican masterpiece that tastes like it simmered for hours!
Why You’ll Love this Turkey Mole
Turkey mole brings together flavors that shouldn’t work but absolutely do—think rich chocolate mingling with warm spices, tender turkey soaking up every bit of that complex sauce. I find this dish absolutely mesmerizing because it hits multiple flavor notes simultaneously.
You’ve got the earthiness of cumin and coriander playing nicely with cinnamon’s warmth, while chocolate adds unexpected depth without tasting like dessert. The almonds create a subtle richness, and sesame seeds provide a gentle nuttiness throughout.
What makes this truly special is how approachable it actually is—despite sounding fancy and intimidating, you’re basically combining ingredients in a blender and simmering everything together. It’s comfort food that feels sophisticated, perfect for impressing people without spending all day cooking.
Looking for another show-stopping chicken recipe? Our Mary Berry Chicken Curry delivers restaurant-quality flavors with fragrant spices and a velvety sauce that pairs perfectly with rice or naan.
What Ingredients are in Turkey Mole?
Turkey mole is a deceptively simple recipe that relies on a carefully balanced combination of spices, nuts, and aromatics to create its signature profoundly complex flavor profile. The beauty of this dish lies in how accessible the ingredients are—most items can be found in any well-stocked grocery store or pantry.
Whether you’re shopping for the first time or restocking your spice cabinet, gathering these components is the first step toward creating an impressive, restaurant-quality meal that tastes far more intricate than it actually is.
Mole Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can (14oz/400g) chopped tomatoes
- 1 small onion, coarsely chopped
- ⅔ cup blanched almonds
- 2 tbsp raisins (optional)
- ¾oz (20g) bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
- 1 garlic clove
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tbsp hot chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ¼ tsp ground anise (optional)
Turkey Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp sunflower oil
- 1½lb (675g) turkey pieces
- 1¼ cups turkey or chicken stock
- Salt and black pepper to taste
When sourcing ingredients, opt for quality bittersweet chocolate with a cocoa content between 60-70% for the best results—this prevents the sauce from becoming too sweet. If you cannot find blanched almonds, you can blanch raw almonds yourself by briefly boiling them and slipping off the skins.
For the spices, freshly ground versions will provide superior flavor compared to pre-ground options, though either will work. The optional ingredients (raisins and anise) can be omitted if unavailable without markedly compromising the dish’s authenticity.
How to Make this Turkey Mole
Instructions:
- Begin preparing the mole sauce by placing the tomatoes, onion, almonds, raisins (if using), chocolate, garlic, sesame seeds, chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, anise (if using), and ¼ cup water into a food processor.
- Pulse the ingredients briefly until you have a thick, textured sauce—don’t over-process; the mole should retain some body and character.
- Heat the sunflower oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add the turkey pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown on all sides.
- Pour the mole sauce mixture into the pan with the turkey and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to bloom and the sauce to darken slightly.
- Add the stock to the pan and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer very gently for 40 minutes or until the turkey is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Taste the mole and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving. The sauce should be rich, complex, and coating the turkey beautifully.
Turkey Mole Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- **Instructions:**
- Begin preparing the mole sauce by placing the tomatoes, onion, almonds, raisins (if using), chocolate, garlic, sesame seeds, chili powder, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, cumin, anise (if using), and ¼ cup water into a food processor.
- Pulse the ingredients briefly until you have a thick, textured sauce—don’t over-process; the mole should retain some body and character.
- Heat the sunflower oil in a large saucepan over high heat. Add the turkey pieces and cook for about 5 minutes, turning occasionally until they’re golden brown on all sides.
- Pour the mole sauce mixture into the pan with the turkey and cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to bloom and the sauce to darken slightly.
- Add the stock to the pan and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover with a lid, and simmer very gently for 40 minutes or until the turkey is tender and easily pierced with a fork.
- Taste the mole and season with salt and pepper as needed before serving. The sauce should be rich, complex, and coating the turkey beautifully.
Notes
Is Mole Healthy to Eat?
Mole can be a nutritious choice when prepared thoughtfully, offering several health benefits from its diverse ingredients. The sauce contains antioxidant-rich spices like cinnamon and cumin, heart-healthy almonds packed with vitamin E and healthy fats, and dark chocolate which provides flavonoids. Tomatoes add vitamins C and A, while sesame seeds contribute calcium and minerals. However, mole can be calorie-dense due to nuts and oils. When paired with lean turkey breast rather than fattier meats, it becomes a more balanced meal. Portion control is key to enjoying mole as part of a healthy diet.Is Mole Healthy to Eat?
Mole can be a nutritious choice when prepared thoughtfully, offering several health benefits from its diverse ingredients. The sauce contains antioxidant-rich spices like cinnamon and cumin, heart-healthy almonds packed with vitamin E and healthy fats, and dark chocolate which provides flavonoids.
Tomatoes add vitamins C and A, while sesame seeds contribute calcium and minerals. However, mole can be calorie-dense due to nuts and oils. When paired with lean turkey breast rather than fattier meats, it becomes a more balanced meal. Portion control is key to enjoying mole as part of a healthy diet.
Turkey Mole Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe I’ve described works beautifully, you’ll find that mole’s flexible nature means you can swap ingredients based on what you’ve got in your pantry or your personal taste preferences. Don’t have blanched almonds? Ground peanuts or pecans work just fine. I’d use about the same amount.
If chocolate seems weird to you, start with half the suggested amount and taste as you go. Raisins can be replaced with dried cranberries or apricots for a different sweetness. Short on sesame seeds? Skip them entirely. Even the spices are negotiable—feel free to dial back cloves if they’re too intense, or bump up cinnamon if that’s your jam. Mole rewards experimentation, not rigid adherence.
What to Serve with Turkey Mole
Turkey mole pairs beautifully with traditional Mexican sides that complement its rich, complex sauce. Serve it over fluffy white rice or Mexican rice to soak up every drop of that luxurious mole. Warm corn or flour tortillas are essential for scooping up extra sauce, while refried beans or black beans add protein and texture.
Fresh toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and crumbled queso fresco provide brightness that balances the sauce’s depth. A simple side salad with lime vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Turkey mole isn’t your weeknight shortcut dinner, and that’s exactly why you should make it. This dish demands patience, but rewards you with layers of flavor that’d take forever to build any other way. Sure, you’ll spend time grinding spices and toasting almonds, but that’s where the magic happens. The chocolate doesn’t announce itself—it whispers underneath the chiles and cinnamon, making you wonder what you’re tasting. When you finally plate that tender turkey in its dark, complex sauce, you’ll understand why people celebrate this recipe across generations. It’s comfort food that actually challenges your palate. Worth every minute? Absolutely. Your taste buds will thank you.
