The secret to a fantastic mole sauce that doesn’t take hours to make lies in building layers of flavor quickly and efficiently. This 20-minute mole sauce recipe achieves remarkable depth using pantry staples and smart cooking techniques. This particular mole sauce is designed for speed without sacrificing taste, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you still crave something rich and satisfying. It’s a versatile sauce that pairs wonderfully with various dishes.

20-Minute Mole Magic Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Sauté onion for 5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and jalapeño (if using) and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in chili powder, flour, cinnamon, cumin, and oregano. Sauté for 1 more minute.
- Remove pan from heat, add vegetable stock, and stir until combined.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, carefully blend in batches in a traditional blender.
- Return saucepan to medium-high heat. Whisk in almond butter, tomato paste, cocoa powder, and sea salt. Cook until simmering and thickened.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
- Serve warm immediately.
- For later use, cool to room temperature, then refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
– When blending hot liquids, fill your blender only halfway, hold the lid firmly with a towel, and start on low speed to prevent splatters and allow steam to escape.
– If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more vegetable stock until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thinner sauce, less stock is always an option. Nutrition information is an estimate, calculated automatically. Values vary with brands, substitutions and portion sizes.
Pro tips
- For an extra layer of flavor, lightly toast the chili powder before adding other spices.
- When blending hot liquids, fill your blender only halfway, hold the lid firmly with a towel, and start on low speed to prevent splatters and allow steam to escape.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash more vegetable stock until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thinner sauce, less stock is always an option.
This quick mole sauce proves that incredible flavor doesn’t always require hours in the kitchen. Experiment with different nuts or seeds for subtle variations, and enjoy this versatile sauce with your favorite Mexican-inspired dishes. Enjoy!
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