Mole de Plátano (Sweet Plantain Mole)

• Prep time: 20 mins

• Cook time: 25 mins

• Total time: 45 mins

• Servings: 6

• Country of Origin: Guatemala

Description

• Declared Guatemalan Cultural Heritage, this unique sweet mole features fried sweet plantain slices smothered in a chocolate, pumpkin seed, sesame, and cinnamon sauce.

Presentation

• Arranged on dessert plates covered in dark glossy mole sauce, sprinkled liberally with toasted sesame seeds.

Ingredients

• 3 large ripe plantains, peeled and sliced diagonally into 1/2-inch disks

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil for frying

• 100 g Guatemalan dark artisan chocolate, chopped

• 3 ripe tomatoes, roasted

• 2 tbsp pumpkin seeds (pepitoria), toasted

• 2 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted (plus extra for garnish)

• 1 cinnamon stick

• 1 Guaque chile, seeded and toasted

• 1 cup water

• 2 tbsp sugar

Directions

• Fry plantain slices in hot oil until golden on both sides; drain on paper towels.

• Blend roasted tomatoes, toasted pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, cinnamon stick, toasted Guaque chile, sugar, and water until completely smooth.

• Strain blended mixture into saucepan and bring to boil.

• Add chopped dark chocolate, stirring until chocolate melts and sauce turns glossy dark brown (10 mins).

• Lay fried plantains in sauce and simmer gently for 5 minutes.

• Serve warm sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.

Optional Variations

• Mole de Plátano Picante: Leave seeds in Guaque chile for mild spicy kick.

Cooking Tips

• Toast seeds gently in dry pan to unlock oils before blending into mole.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 310 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 48 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Fat: 13 g

• Saturated Fat: 4 g

• Sodium: 25 mg

• Fiber: 4 g

• Sugar: 28 g