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Welcome to the next installment of my Meet the Spice Blend series, where I'm sharing the inspiration for, back stories of, and uses for my ever-expanding collection of small batch, handcrafted spice blends. Next up, let's meet Holé Molé (formerly known as Five-Chile Relajo)!!
The Inspiration - Relajo
The inspiration for my Holé Molé spice blend is relajo, a spice blend deeply rooted in Central American culinary traditions. Originating in the diverse kitchens of countries like Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, relajo exemplifies the fusion of indigenous flavors with European influences. Comprising a harmonious blend of spices such as achiote, cumin, coriander, various herbs, and sometimes cacao, relajo has been an essential component of countless traditional dishes for generations. It is an incredibly versatile blend with a distinctive flavor and earthy aroma that lends unique flavor to dishes like stews, grilled meats, and tamales.
Holé Molé combines not only the traditional ingredients and flavors of the Central American version of relajo but also adds some distinctly Mexican flavors and ingredients, playing up the idea that relajo has always transcended borders and connected people through food.
Flavor Profile - Holé Molé
Holé Molé is an incredible combination of pepitas (pumpkin seeds), sesame seeds, cocoa powder, cumin, coriander, ceylon cinnamon, oregano, achiote (annatto) seed, pasilla chile, guajillo chile, arbol chile, California chile, New Mexico chile, and kosher salt. This intriguing blend boasts a rich and earthy foundation, courtesy of toasted pepitas and sesame seeds, which lend a nutty undertone. The cocoa powder adds a luxurious depth, infusing a subtle bittersweet note that complements the warmth of cumin, coriander, and Ceylon cinnamon. A burst of herbal brightness emerges from the oregano, while the achiote seeds provide a hint of peppery and mildly sweet complexity. The quintet of chiles—pasilla, guajillo, arbol, California, and New Mexico—unveils layers of smoky, smoldering heat that intermingle with the blend's essence. All of these elements converge with a bit of kosher salt, resulting in Holé Molé's distinctive profile: a fusion of earthy, spicy, and subtly sweet flavors that together create a truly unforgettable culinary experience.
Versatility in the Kitchen - Holé Molé
Wondering how to use Holé Molé in your own home cooking? Try one of these easy ways...
1. Mexican-Inspired Marinade: Create a vibrant marinade by mixing Holé Molé with olive oil and a touch of lime juice. Marinate chicken, beef, or pork before grilling or roasting for a burst of complex flavors.
2. Savory Chocolate Rub: Combine Holé Molé with a touch of olive oil to create a rub for roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or cauliflower. The cocoa powder in the blend will add a unique and delightful twist.
3. Homemade Chocolaty Mole Sauce: Blend Holé Molé with tomato sauce, broth, and a bit of dark chocolate to make a simplified version of the classic Mexican mole sauce. Serve it over chicken, enchiladas, or even as a dipping sauce for churros.
4. Spicy Pepita Snack Mix: Toss Holé Molé with roasted pepitas, nuts, and dried fruit for a zesty and crunchy snack mix that's perfect for on-the-go snacking or entertaining.
5. Flavorful Rice Pilaf: Stir Holé Molé into cooked rice for an elevated rice pilaf. The blend's array of spices and seeds will infuse the rice with a captivating aroma and taste.
6. Unique Hot Chocolate: Add a pinch of Holé Molé to your hot chocolate for an intriguing twist. The cocoa powder and spices will add depth and warmth to your cozy beverage.
7. Spiced Up Hummus: Blend Holé Molé into your homemade or store-bought hummus for an unexpected twist. The blend's nutty and earthy elements will complement the creaminess of the hummus.
8. Enhanced Salsa: Mix Holé Molé into fresh salsa to give it a deep, smoky undertone and a gentle kick of heat.
9. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Spread a mixture of butter and Holé Molé onto freshly grilled corn on the cob for a unique spin on this classic side dish.
10. Spicy Chocolate Bark: Melt some semi-sweet chocolate and spread it out onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle the top with some Holé Molé and some roasted pepitas. Freeze and then break the frozen "bark" into bite-sized pieces for an easy make-ahead dessert or snack.
Remember, the key is experimentation! Holé Molé's diverse blend of ingredients offers endless possibilities to elevate your dishes and infuse them with its distinctive flavors.
A Bite of Good Recipes that use Holé Molé
Looking for some more concrete guidance on how to use Holé Molé? Check out these A Bite of Good recipes!
Holé Molé Hot Honey - The perfect make-ahead edible gift for those sweet-and-spicy fans.
Relajo Steak Chili - Because you can never have too many chili recipes in your repertoire.
Relajo Shrimp Fajitas - Taco Tuesday gets all the attention, but I'm here to advocate for Fajita Friday, especially when they taste this good.
Relajo Beef Enchiladas - My favorite enchilada recipe by far. And believe me when I say you're gonna want to make extra sauce.
Pork Tacos al Relajo "Pastor" - No, this isn't an authentic recipe for Tacos al Pastor. And no, this recipe isn't meant to replace that trip to Mexico City to eat your weight in tacos (which is a trip I HIGHLY recommend). But it sure will get you excited about planning that trip because, let's be honest. Tacos. Are. Life.
Charred Octopus with Smashed Fingerling Potatoes, Chorizo, and Relajo Buerre Blanc - A "project" recipe perfect for your next dinner party or date night in.
Ready to get your own Holé Molé? Get it here.
