Slow-Cooked Pork Mole with Toasted Almonds

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Deeply flavored pork simmered in a complex mole sauce with toasted almonds, cacao, and warm spices for a rich, aromatic Mexican main course. This mexican ready in about 160 minutes pairs pork shoulder, sesame seeds, almonds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 610 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 35 min Cook: 125 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 610 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast 2 tablespoons sesame seeds and 1/4 cup sliced almonds in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until golden and fragrant. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Simmer 3 dried ancho chiles in hot water for 15 minutes until softened. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup liquid.
  3. Step 3: Roast 2 medium tomatoes in a 400°F oven for 20 minutes until charred. Blend with softened chiles, 1/4 cup reserved liquid, 2 tablespoons cacao powder, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon cumin until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add 1.5 pounds cubed pork shoulder and cook for 5 minutes until browned on all sides.
  5. Step 5: Stir in blended sauce, 2 cups chicken broth, and 1 cinnamon stick. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low for 2 hours until pork is fork-tender.
  6. Step 6: Discard cinnamon stick. Stir in 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds and 1/4 cup toasted almonds. Simmer uncovered for 5 minutes to thicken. Serve over rice with extra almonds for garnish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooked Pork Mole with Toasted Almonds take to make?

Total time is about 160 minutes (35 min prep + 125 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Slow-Cooked Pork Mole with Toasted Almonds?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pork shoulder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooked Pork Mole with Toasted Almonds?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Slow-Cooked Pork Mole with Toasted Almonds for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Slow-Cooked Pork Mole with Toasted Almonds?

Mexican mexican like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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