Vegetarians were the first humans created here on the earth! Did you know that? Biblical fact has it that after the flood God made a covenant with Noah and one of the things God allowed was for humans to eat meat. Read Genesis chapter 9. In fact you’ll read about God’s sign to man too. (Majestic Rainbows). Well anyway isn’t it a wonder how you combine vegetables, grains, spices, fruits, and meats to come up with stupendous dishes. Of course coming from a Mexican background I do specialize in that type of foods, but sometimes I feel like an Italian, Chinese, French, or Hawian background. In today’s world one can actually realize different cultural backgrounds with all sorts of cuisines.
Speaking with my amazing mother in law though, back in the 30’s and 40’s it was quite basic and one variety availble to her only. Believe you me from the stories my precious in laws tell me it was pretty basic, vague and most of the times monotonous when it came to eating. It wasn’t like today where you go to a Super Wally World and find just about anything you need. There is an awe of admiration and deep respect for people of that generation and I tell you my in laws are something else! Our hats and hearts to them. Well thanks to them I have my indefinitely lasting wife and aside from all the wonderful things she’s done for me through the years one thing stands out and early in our marriage it was quite a surprise and delight. You’ve heard the phrase “a woman wins over a mans stomach”? Well, along with my heart she hooked me with a dish I never had before. Growing up Mole was common in my life. With chicken it was quite inexpensive too, especially when it came down to “fiestas” where hundreds were fed at a time. Good ole chicken mole, re-fried beans and spanish rice with ice burg lettuce and tomato salad. * Again, inexpensive, plentiful, tasty and memorable. Well here’s a twist from my wife and mother in law.
Like I mentioned you can find a jar of Mole just about anywhere and buy it and the recipe will turn out great. If you’re craving scratch though here’s how mole was available in the 30’s and 40’s. Virginia my mom in law says that basic stuff was available at the market but with money low usually a mole dish was left for special occasion.
Here are the basic ingredients:
- 1 chocolate bar (unsweetened) 3oz
- 1/2 bag of saltines
- 1/2 oz of red chile pods according to your temperature
- 1/4 cup of dried Mexican white corn nuggets
Directions:
In small pot add chile pods with water and bring to boil till tender. Don’t forget to take off stems and extra seeds. While this is boiling get a blender or a food processor and add corn, chocolate, and desired saltines. The saltines are to help thicken the mole so you could use 1/2 of the 1/2 of bag of saltines to make the paste. Use your judgment. Once all this is in your blender add chile pods and start off with a 1/2 cup of boiled water and grind. You just want to make a paste so again use your judgment. If you need more water go ahead. Once desired paste is achieved set aside.
Next with 2 pound pork roast cut into 1/2 to 1 inch cubes and put into accommodating pot with plenty water adding a few bay leaves and boil till it’s nice and tender. This will make a nice broth once it is done. Next add mole paste that you made stirring while you bring to a boil.# A nice dark red chocolate sauce will evolve with the pork stew. It’s ready! Traditional mole stew has a slight sweet taste so when boiling add a 1/4 cup of sugar if you so desire. Serve hot with rice and beans and warm corn or flour tortillas. Let’s not forget the vegetables, so serve a side salad of your choice. For any vegetarians out there try it with tofu, you never know till you try it! Anyhow with this traditional mole and pork flavor you will indulge in a unique, different but pleasant tasting dish my dear wife slaves over for me time and again. Let us not forget though with that key ingredient of LOVE. Till next time. Hasta la proxima “Adios”
* Future recipes of my charro beans, and my wife’s Spanish rice will be available.
# If you choose the jar mole paste just follow the meat steps and you can substitute chicken also.
