Recipe

Chicken with California Raisin Mole

Cocoa powder and peanut butter make a traditional Mexican hot sauce the perfect accompaniment for grilled chicken breasts.
Details
  • Serves:
INGREDIENTS
California Raisin Mole
  • 1 c. California raisins, divided
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • 1-1/2 tsp. vegetable oil
  • 1/2 c. minced red onion
  • 1/2 tsp. coriander seeds, crushed
  • 1/2 tsp. anise seeds, crushed
  • 1-1/2 tsp. chilli powder
  • 1/2 tsp. sugar
  • 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
  • 1-1/2 tsp. minced garlic
  • 1/4 tsp. ground cloves
  • 1 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tbsp. peanut butter
  • 1/3 c. chicken broth
  • Scant 1/2 cup (3 ounces) diced fresh tomatoes
  • Salt, to taste
  • 6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 5 ounces each)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
PROCEDURE
Mole
Lightly coat the bowl and blade of a food processor with non-stick cooking spray and purée 3/4 cup of the raisins to yield 1/4 cup of raisin paste*. (The paste will be very sticky). Set aside.

In a large, heavy skillet, heat the oil over high heat; add the onion and sauté, stirring frequently until golden brown. Stir in the crushed coriander and anise seeds. Then add the chili powder, sugar, cinnamon, garlic and cloves; cook the mixture for 1 minute over moderate heat, stirring constantly. Add the cocoa powder, peanut butter, chicken broth, tomatoes, raisin paste, reserved raisins and salt; simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes or until the sauce is slightly thickened and bubbly.
To Serve
Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or broil the chicken until cooked through. Place each breast on a serving plate and surround with about 1/4 cup of sauce. Serve with warm tortillas.

Note: Commercially prepared California raisin paste is available from foodservice and industrial suppliers. To make your own raisin paste, grind or process in a food processor whole California raisins equal to twice the amount of raisin paste required (3/4 cup natural raisins) until very finely chopped and smooth.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
Calories 390(14% from fat); Total Fat 6g (sat 1g, mono 2g, poly 1g); Cholesterol 135mg; Protein 57g; Carbohydrates 25g; Fiber 3g; Iron 3mg; Sodium 190mg; Calcium 49mg