Comfort Food Classics: Mole de Olla

You're probably thinking that it's a little hot this summer to be making soup. Summer in my rinconcito (little corner) de Mexico means cool breezes, cloudy skies and lots of rain. Some days, I forget that it's summer. That's when I cook up a big pot of soup to help warm us up. My soup of choice? Mole de Olla! A comforting spicy chicken and vegetable soup seasoned with ancho and guajillo chilies. We like to serve ours with Sopa de Fideo Seco and Ensalada de Nopales (Cactus Paddle Salad).

Mole de Olla (Spicy Mexican Chicken Soup) - lacocinadeleslie.com

Mole de Olla

Ingredients:
  • 2 pounds chicken, cut up (drumsticks, thighs, whatever you like)
  • 1 medium onion
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • Cilantro
  • 2 teaspoons chicken bouillon
  • Carrots, peeled and cut in large chunks
  • Green Beans
  • Corn on the cob, cut in halves or thirds
  • Potatoes, peeled and cut in large chunks
  • Cabbage, cut in quarters
  • 3 ancho chilies
  • 2 guajillo chilies
  • 2 cups water

Directions: 
Place the chicken, onion, garlic and cilantro in a 3-quart stockpot.  Fill the stockpot with enough water to completely cover the chicken.  Season with chicken bouillon, a little salt and pepper.  Cover stockpot and let cook over medium heat for about 30 minutes.  (Be sure to skim off any foam that might float to the top of the pot.)


After the chicken has cooked for 30 minutes, add the carrots, green beans and corn on the cob. Cover stockpot and continue to cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes. Add more water to the pot, if necessary. You want to make sure that the chicken and veggies are completely covered.

While waiting for the chicken and vegetables to continue cooking, place the ancho and guajillo chilies in a small saucepan. Fill the saucepan with 2 cups water and bring to a boil over medium heat. Remove the chilies from the heat and let cool slightly.

While the chilies are cooling down, add the rest of the vegetables to the chicken. Cover and continue to cook for 15 minutes.

Once the chilies have cooled down to room temperature, remove the stems and the seeds, then puree in a blender with the water they were cooked in.  Season chile puree with salt. Pour the chile puree into the stockpot. Stir to combine. Cover and continue to cook for an additional 15 minutes. Season with additional salt and pepper, if necessary. Serve with plenty of warm corn tortillas. Enjoy!

Mole de Olla - lacocinadeleslie.com



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For more delicious soup recipes be sure to check out the following:

Caldo de Pollo for the Soul (Chicken Soup)
Arroz con Pollo Soup
Cocido Rojo (Mexican Beef Stew)












12 comments

  1. ha ha ha...I"m in the middle of writing an upcoming post about "no apologies" for eating soup in the summertime...soup is for anytime! This sounds fabulous- wish I had a big bowl in front of me right now!

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  2. Hi Leslie. Looks really good. Soup is for anytime out this way too. My Dad always made big pots of soup in the summertime. Yep, really good with homemade tortillas. Hey, there's girlichef, I just love her blog. Take care leslie and thanks.

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  3. Oh god.... excuse me but i just had a food-gasm. mmmmmm

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  4. looks amazing Leslie.#commenthour

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  5. Sounds like it may be good I like caggage #commenthour

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  6. So glad you participated in comment hour!  I'm always looking for new recipes to try!

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  7. I'm not a big fan of soup in summer, but this does look tasty. I can always keep the recipe for winter. #commenthour

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  8. This sounds delicious! I love a good soup, though lately we're only eating things that don't require turning on the stove. 

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  9. Hola Leslie, soy Mexicana y en mi vida eh probado el mole de olla, y jamas imagine que fuera así, siempre que escuchaba que mole de olla me imaginaba un mole espeso y de color cafe, se ve delicioso, lo voy a preparar :)

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  10. ok, i just commented on the sopa with nopales, fish and shrimp and now I want to make this too!  Looks like we will be eating some soup soon!!!!

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  11. I love this soup!  I made it today, but also threw in two turkey thighs with the chicken!  It was delicious.  All of your recipes are awesome!  ¡Gracias por compartir tus recetas con nosotras!

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  12. I just made this. It was a hit. Gracias

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