(moh·lay nay·gro)
Mole Negro Starter celebrates the culinary traditions of Oaxaca, Mexico. Bittersweet dark chocolate acts as this sauce’s signature ingredient, lending it its complex depth and dark color.

The state of Oaxaca, Mexico is known as “the land of the seven moles,” a culinary tradition that exemplifies the complexity of Mexico’s history and its many cultural influences. The term “mole” comes from the indigenous Nahuatl word “molli,” which roughly translates to “sauce or mixture.” While there are dozens of variations of the mole sauce, most feature a combination of dried chiles and layered flavors from toasted nuts, warm spices, tomato, and even dried fruit or chocolate. Each ingredient is roasted or cooked in a frying pan to draw out the flavor. The sauce is then blended for a silky-smooth texture. Depending on the desired flavor development, some mole sauces can take hours or even days to prepare.

Mole negro is unique for its bittersweet flavor and the addition of chocolate. The Maya and Aztec indigenous tribes treasured the cacao bean, a plant native to Mexico. Since the Mayans and Aztecs ruled the region, the use of cacao has stuck around Mexican cuisine in moles as well as more contemporary desserts alike.

Curious Spoon’s Mole Negro Starter is crafted to bring the dark, rich flavors of Oaxacan mole negro to your home kitchen. Simply rehydrate the sauce starter with water and simmer on the stove until it reaches the desired consistency. Then, serve it with turkey, chicken, or duck alongside white rice or over enchiladas in place of salsa for a delicious authentic meal.

Spices, Sugar, Almonds, Garlic, Tamarind, Cocoa, Onion, Salt, Sesame seeds, Tomato, Apple, Contains 2% or less of Sunflower oil, Cellulose, Citric acid, Gum acacia, Xanthan gum. Contains: Sesame, Tree Nuts.

Combine 1 cup water with contents of packet and bring to a simmer.