Olé for molé!
While we never really get tired of original Buffalo-style wings, sometimes it’s fun to break out of the routine and try something new, exciting and deliciously different. In this recipe, chicken wings get a south-of-the-border makeover; first, marinated with a rub of aromatic & zesty spices, sherry vinegar and garlic, then, after baking, a quick toss with a sweet and savory molé-style sauce made with smoky chipotle chile peppers and deep, dark chocolate. While the sauce is not a really an authentic molé, it’s MUCH easier and faster to make, and this classic combination of flavors creates a spicy and mouthwatering coating that tastes nothing short of terrific.
Most of the work can be done in advance, so you won’t have to rush around on game day. The chicken can marinate in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking and the sauce can be a day (even two or three) in advance. You’ll only need about half of the sauce to toss with the amount of chicken we have suggested, so there will be plenty on hand for a second batch or to serve on the side for dipping. Leftover sauce makes the perfect condiment for any meal or snack that can benefit from a little rich, smoky flavor.
Chipotle Molé Wings
Ingredients:
- 2-2 1/2 lb chicken wings, split (fresh is better than frozen!)
- 1 Tbsp coriander seeds
- 1 tsp cumin seeds
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- ½ Tbsp salt
- 1 Tbsp smoked paprika
- 1/4 tsp cayenne
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed and minced
- 2 1/2 Tbsps sherry vinegar
- 2 Tbsp smoked olive oil
- 3/4 cup Chipotle Molé Sauce (recipe below)
- Thinly sliced green onion, green part only, for garnish
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
Preparation:
Remove the tips of the wings with a pair of kitchen shears. Reserve for making stock if desired. Separate the wings at the joint with the shears or a sharp knife.
Toast the coriander, cumin and cinnamon in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant. Grind the toasted spices finely in a spice or coffee grinder. Combine the ground toasted spices, salt, smoked paprika, cayenne and garlic cloves with the smoked olive oil and sherry vinegar in a non-reactive bowl large enough to fit the wings.
Add the wings and toss gently to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for 2-8 hours (or overnight).
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spread the wings on a lightly greased rimmed baking sheet. Bake for 45 minutes to an hour, depending on wing size and desired level of doneness.
Remove the wings from the oven and allow to cool for a minute or two. While still hot, toss the cooked wings in a bowl with enough of the Chipotle Molé Sauce to coat them completely, about 3/4 cup. Serve hot.
Chipotle Molé Sauce
Ingredients:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 Tbsp lard or olive oil
- 1 Tbsp dark brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp sherry vinegar
- 1 – 2 chipotles in adobo, stemmed, seeded & chopped, according to taste
- 1 Tbsp adobo sauce from the can
- 2 Tbsp chocolate liquor or bittersweet chocolate, grated
- 1 cup canned diced tomatoes, with juices
- 1/2 tsp salt & pepper to taste
Preparation:
Heat the lard or oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion, garlic and brown sugar and cook, stirring occasionally, until soft and translucent, about 10 minutes. Add the chipotle, adobo sauce, chocolate, vinegar, tomatoes and 1/2 teaspoon of salt and simmer over medium-low heat until slightly reduced and thickened, 10 – 15 minutes. Puree with a handheld immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend until very smooth. Taste, adding more salt & pepper to your preference.
Makes about 1-3/4 cup sauce. Refrigerate unused sauce for up to two weeks. Use liberally on anything that needs a little sweet & spicy lift.
Many of the ingredients used in this recipe, and other recipes on the Earthy Delights Blog, can be purchased online at our retail website, Earthy.com. We welcome you to visit the Earthy.com website to view our extensive selection of hard-to-find ingredients and our complete Recipe Collection of over 500 tested recipes.
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