Mole (sauce)

Mole (often hyperforeignized in English menus as molé to distinguish from another homograph for the animal mole) or mōlli (lit. 'sauce, something ground') is a traditional sauce and marinade originally used in Mexican cuisine. In contemporary Mexico, the term is used for numerous sauces, including some fifty distinct varieties of mole across Mexico. Generally, a mole sauce contains fruits, nuts, chili peppers, and spices like black pepper, cinnamon, or cumin. Pre-Hispanic Mexico showcases the role of chocolate, primarily as a beverage rather than a confection. Although modern culinary practices emphasize its versatility, historical evidence indicates that chocolate was most likely a later addition. While not moles in the classic sense, there are some dishes that use the term in their name. Mole de olla is a stew made from beef and vegetables, which contains guajillo and ancho chili, as well as a number of other ingredients found in moles.

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