Tofu Mole

Tofu Mole Recipe - a Flavorful and Healthy Mexican Dish

Region / culture: Mexico | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 1 hour | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tofu Mole is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines the richness of mole sauce with the protein-packed goodness of tofu. This recipe is perfect for those looking for a vegetarian or vegan option that is both satisfying and nutritious.

History

Mole sauce is a traditional Mexican sauce that is made with a combination of chiles, nuts, seeds, and chocolate. It is a complex and flavorful sauce that is often served with meat dishes. In this recipe, we are using tofu as a protein source instead of meat, making it a great option for vegetarians and vegans.

Ingredients

1 head of garlic
0.5 tsp of olive oil
3 fresh poblano or pasilla chiles
0.5 cup of raw, shelled pumpkin seeds
1 (10 oz) can of drained tomatillos
0.5 cup of fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
0.5 cup of vegetable stock or water
1.5 lb of extra-firm tofu
0.25 cup of tamari or good soy sauce
3 cups of cooked brown rice

How to prepare

Preheat the oven to 375°F (191°C).
Remove the outer skin from the garlic head and cut the head in half crosswise. Rub the cut surfaces with olive oil. Wrap the garlic in foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the garlic is soft. Set it aside until it is cool enough to handle. Squeeze the garlic cloves from their skins.
Remove the stems and seeds from the chiles. Roast them under the broiler, turning them frequently, until the skin is evenly blistered and slightly charred. Place them in a paper bag and let them cool. Remove the skins from the chiles and rinse them.
Toast the pumpkin seeds in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat, shaking the pan often, until the seeds have puffed (about 3 minutes). Do not brown them. Transfer the seeds to a small bowl and set them aside to cool.
Grind the pumpkin seeds to a fine meal in a food processor or blender. Add the roasted garlic, chiles, tomatillos, peppers, and cilantro or parsley, and continue to purée until smooth. Heat the mixture in a medium skillet and add the stock. Simmer for 10 minutes.
Slice the tofu into 0.5-inch thick slices. Brush the tofu with tamari and grill it over hot coals or broil it in the oven (5 minutes per side).
Serve the tofu on a bed of rice topped with the mole sauce.

Variations

Add some dark chocolate to the mole sauce for a richer flavor.
Use different types of chiles for a spicier or milder sauce.
Add some beans or corn to the dish for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to roast the garlic and chiles properly to bring out their flavors.

- Toasting the pumpkin seeds adds a nice crunch to the dish.

- Grilling or broiling the tofu adds a nice charred flavor to the dish.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the Tofu Mole with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.

Cooking Techniques

Roasting

- Grilling

- Blending

Ingredient Substitutions

Use cashews or almonds instead of pumpkin seeds.

- Use tempeh or seitan instead of tofu.

Make Ahead Tips

The mole sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat it before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the dish with fresh cilantro or a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair the Tofu Mole with a glass of red wine or a refreshing agua fresca for a complete dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 15g per serving

Saturated Fat: 2g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 20g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Iron: 4mg per serving

Calcium: 200mg per serving

Alergens

Contains soy and nuts (pumpkin seeds)

Summary

This dish is a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. It is a nutritious and satisfying meal option for vegetarians and vegans.

Summary

Tofu Mole is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for vegetarians and vegans. With its rich and flavorful mole sauce and protein-packed tofu, this dish is sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was filled with a sense of wonder. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited to a potluck dinner at a friend's house. As I scanned the buffet table, my eyes landed on a dish unlike any I had ever seen before. It was a rich, velvety sauce, dark and mysterious, with chunks of tofu nestled within.

I asked my friend where she had learned to make such a unique dish, and she told me that it was a family recipe passed down through generations. Intrigued, I begged her to share the recipe with me, and she graciously agreed.

As I read through the ingredients and instructions, I realized that this dish was unlike anything I had ever attempted to cook before. The combination of spices and flavors was complex and intriguing, and I knew that it would take practice to perfect.

I set to work in my own kitchen, carefully following the recipe and experimenting with different techniques to achieve the perfect balance of flavors. I spent hours stirring the sauce, tasting and adjusting until it was just right. And when I finally sat down to enjoy my first taste of tofu mole, I was transported to a world of culinary bliss.

Over the years, I have continued to refine and perfect the recipe, adding my own personal touches and twists to make it truly my own. I have shared it with friends and family, who have all marveled at its unique and delicious flavors.

But the true joy of this recipe lies not just in its taste, but in the memories and stories that it holds. Every time I make tofu mole, I am reminded of that warm summer day when I first discovered it, and of the friend who so generously shared her family recipe with me.

As I stir the pot and watch the sauce thicken and bubble, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the culinary journey that this dish has taken me on. And as I sit down to enjoy a steaming bowl of tofu mole, I am reminded once again of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories, and to inspire wonder and joy.

And so, as I continue to cook and create in my kitchen, I will always hold a special place in my heart for this recipe and the story that it tells. For in every bite of tofu mole, I taste not just the flavors of the dish, but the love and history that have been passed down through the generations. And for that, I am truly grateful.