Part 101 (2/2)

2 lettuce leaves (such as romaine or green leaf), torn into pieces

2 cloves garlic, chopped coa.r.s.ely

cup olive oil

Tomatillos are readily available in the ”ethnic” section of most supermarkets. If you can't find them, you can use salsa verde; just check that the ingredients list contains nothing more than tomatillos, garlic, and cilantro.

HEAT A large skillet over medium-low heat. Toast the pumpkin seeds, turning occasionally, for 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer the seeds to a food processor or blender (a food processor works better). Add the peppercorns and pulse into a coa.r.s.e powder.

Add everything else save the olive oil and grind into a thick paste. Add the olive oil and blend for about 30 seconds. Sc.r.a.pe down the sides of the processor to incorporate all the ingredients. Add salt to taste (it may not even be necessary).

CHILE-CHOCOLATE MOLE.

MAKES 3 CUPS.

TIME: 30 MINUTES.

Not authentic by any means, this spin-off of traditional mole poblano takes a few modern shortcuts to whip up a thick, rich sauce with a complex blend of hot, sweet, bitter, and nutty flavors. Highly versatile, this mole can be used for any number of Mexican specialties, such as enchiladas, tamales, tostadas, and so on. The simplest way to enjoy it as a hearty entree is to simmer vegetables and other foods on the stove-top, as in Vegetables or Seitan in Mole Sauce (page 185).

Spice mixture: cup sliced almonds

cup crushed tortilla chips

2 tablespoons sesame seeds

1 teaspoon aniseeds

3-4 teaspoons chile powder, preferably a mix of ground ancho and chipotle

1 teaspoons ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon dried marjoram

teaspoon ground c.u.min

teaspoon ground allspice

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