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Mole verde is a vibrant, herbaceous Mexican sauce from Oaxaca, often served over chicken or turkey. Its complex flavor comes from a blend of fresh green herbs like cilantro, parsley, and oregano, along with tomatillos, green chiles, and pumpkin seeds (pepitas). The sauce is traditionally thickened with ground corn or tortillas, creating a rich, earthy, and slightly tangy profile.
This dish is generally moderate in fat and protein, with the fat primarily coming from the pumpkin seeds and any oil used in cooking. It provides a good source of fiber, vitamins A and C from the fresh herbs and tomatillos, and minerals like iron and magnesium. A typical serving of mole verde with chicken and rice is roughly in the 400-600 calorie range.
Unlike its more famous dark mole counterparts, mole verde is celebrated for its fresh, bright, and herbaceous character, showcasing the diversity of Mexican cuisine. Its use of pepitas as a thickener is a unique and ancient technique that adds a subtle, nutty richness and nutritional boost to the sauce.