Spectacular Chicken Mole with Baklouti Green Chili Olive Oil & Chocolate Balsamic

DIRECTIONS
Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in heavy large dutch oven over medium-high heat. Wash and pat the chicken dry. Season the chicken on both sides with salt and pepper. Working in batches, add chicken to pot and sauté until lightly browned, about 3 minutes per side.

Return chicken, any juices, and the bay leaf to the pot. Add the broth and bring to a simmer - cook covered until chicken is tender, about 25 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a heavy LARGE saucepan (cast iron is ideal for this) over medium-high heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown, about 10 minutes. Reduce heat to medium. Add almonds, pumpkin seeds, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, and coriander. Sauté until the nuts and seeds begin to toast lightly, about 2 minutes. Add dried cut chilies and stir until they begin to soften, about 2 minutes.

Add the caramelized onion and dried chili mixture to the pot with the chicken and stock. Add the Dark Chocolate balsamic and oregano to pot. Stir to incorporate and cover.  Simmer gently until chilies are very soft, stirring occasionally, about 30 minutes. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool for about 15 minutes.

Remove the chicken from the pot to a large bowl. It will be just about falling apart, so don't worry if you leave a few bits and pieces in the sauce. Working in small batches, transfer sauce mixture to blender and purée until smooth. Return to reserved pot. Season sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Coarsely shred chicken and return to sauce, gently stir to incorporate.

 

This recipe can be served immediately, but gets better with time, and can be made up to three days in advance. Chill until cold, then cover and keep chilled. Rewarm over low heat before serving.