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5 from 1 vote

Rick Bayless’ Smoky Peanut Mole Recipe with Pork Tenderloin

A rich, flavorful smoky peanut mole is served with tender pork tenderloin.
Prep Time45 minutes
Cook Time45 minutes
Soaking Time30 minutes
Total Time2 hours
Course: Entrees
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Pork Recipes
Servings: 6 Servings
Calories: 496kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 medium about 1 ounce total dried ancho chiles, stemmed & seeded
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • ½ small white onion sliced
  • 2 garlic cloves peeled
  • 8 ounces 1 medium-large round or 3 to 4 plum ripe tomatoes
  • 1 cup dry roasted peanuts plus a additional chopped for garnish
  • 2 slices firm white bread torn into pieces
  • 2 canned chipotle chiles en adobo seeded
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon preferably freshly ground Mexican canela
  • teaspoon allspice preferably freshly ground
  • about 3 ½ cups chicken broth
  • ½ cup fruity red wine
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 2 bay leaves
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 2 1-pound pork tenderloins
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • cilantro for garnish

Instructions

  • Tear the dried ancho chiles into flat pieces. Heat an ungreased skillet over medium heat and add the chile pieces. Briefly press the chiles down with a metal spatula. Listen for a crackling noise and watch for the color to change. Do not allow the chiles to start smoking. A burnt taste will significantly change the flavor of the mole.
  • Place the toasted chiles in a small bowl, cover with hot water, and let soak for 30 minutes. Pour off the water.
  • While waiting for the chiles to rehydrate, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add white onion and garlic cloves. Sauté, stirring frequently, until the onions and garlic are browned, about 10 minutes. Scoop the onions and garlic into a blender.
  • Preheat the broiler with a rack on the highest level. Remove the core from the tomato and place it on a baking sheet lined with foil. Place under the broiler for 5 minutes, turn the tomato, and broil for an additional 5 minutes, or until the skin of the tomato is blackened.
  • When the tomato is cool enough to handle, peel the skin off and place the entire tomato, juices included, into the blender.
  • To the blender, add dry roasted peanuts, bread, chipotles, drained ancho chiles, allspice, and cinnamon. Add 1½ cup chicken broth and blend until the mixture is smooth. Add a little more chicken broth if the blades of your blender aren't running smoothly.
  • Put the mixture through a medium-mesh strainer into a bowl.
  • In the same large saucepan used to cook the onion mixture, heat 1 tablespoon of canola oil over medium-high heat. Add the peanut puree. Stir continuously for about 5 minutes as the mixture thickens and darkens.
  • Stir in 2 cups chicken broth, red wine, cider vinegar, and bay leaves. Turn the heat down to medium-low, partially cover the pot, and let the mixture simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring regularly.
  • Taste the mole and season with salt (½ - 1½ teaspoons) and sugar. Remove the bay leaves. Keep the mole warm.
  • Preheat the grill to high heat.Rub pork tenderloins with olive oil and season generously with kosher salt and pepper. Place them on the grill and sear each side, about 2 minutes per side. Turn the heat down to medium-high and cook for an additional 7-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145-150 degrees F. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve several pieces of the pork on a bed of the mole sauce and garnish with chopped peanuts and cilantro. If you wish, serve with rice, black beans, and warmed flour tortillas.

Nutrition

Calories: 496kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 28g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 98mg | Sodium: 862mg | Potassium: 1095mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 1815IU | Vitamin C: 17.2mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 3.2mg