Go Back
Pumpkin seed mole verde in a bowl, garnished with pumpkin seeds.
Print Recipe
5 / 2 votes

Pumpkin Seed Mole ~ Mole Verde

This pumpkin seed mole, or mole verde, combines pepitas with bright herbs, garlic, tomatillos, and jalapeños to make a standout sauce for chicken, fish, or your favorite enchiladas.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course: Mains
Cuisine: Mexican
Servings: 6 (Makes 3 to 4 cups)
Calories: 143

Ingredients

  • 1 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil
  • 1 white onion, cut into wedges
  • 5 tomatillos, husked and halved
  • 5 garlic cloves, halved
  • 2 jalapeño peppers, sliced
  • 2 cups chicken stock, or canned chicken broth
  • 1 cup packed coarsely chopped cilantro leaves
  • 1 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves
  • 1/2 cup fresh epazote, (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  • In a large skillet with high sides or in a large saucepan over medium-high heat, toast the 1 cup shelled pumpkin seeds, 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, and 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, if using, until fragrant, 3 to 4 minutes. Toss frequently to make sure they don’t burn. Remove from the heat and transfer to a spice grinder or a blender and process until finely ground.
  • In the same skillet, heat the 1 tablespoon vegetable or olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the 1 white onion, 5 tomatillos, 5 garlic cloves, and 2 jalapeño peppers and cook until slightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes, tossing a couple of times but not too much.
  • Place the vegetables in a blender or food processor, then add the 2 cups chicken stock, 1 cup packed coarsely chopped cilantro leaves, 1 cup coarsely chopped flat-leaf parsley leaves, 1/2 cup fresh epazote (if using), and 1 teaspoon salt and process until puréed.
  • Pour the mixture back into the skillet and add the ground pumpkin seed mixture. Let simmer gently until the flavors are melded, stirring occasionally, about 15 minutes. Serve immediately. (Leftovers—if there are any—can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to a couple of days.)

Notes

  1. Substitute for fresh epazote—If you can't get your hands on fresh epazote, reach for dried epazote), but use about one-third as much. In a pinch, try oregano mixed with a little cilantro or a pinch of anise seed as a stand-in.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 15g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 520mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g