Quick and Easy Vegetarian Mole

Discover the bold, complex flavors of mole in a fraction of the time with this Quick and Easy Vegetarian Mole recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, this rich and hearty dish combines pantry staples like black beans, cocoa powder, natural peanut butter, and warm spices such as cumin, cinnamon, and chipotle chili powder to create a deeply flavorful sauce in just 30 minutes. Simmered with vegetable broth and finished with a touch of lime juice, this mole pairs beautifully with rice, roasted veggies, or warm tortillas. Optional additions like frozen corn and fresh cilantro add texture and a pop of freshness to every bite. Fast, satisfying, and packed with protein, this vegetarian twist on a classic is a simple yet soulful meal that’s sure to please any crowd.

Nutriscore Rating: 85/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 0.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon chipotle chili powder or regular chili powder
• 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons natural peanut butter (or almond butter for a peanut-free version)
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 1 15-ounce can canned black beans, drained and rinsed
• 0.5 cup frozen corn (optional, for added texture)
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoons brown sugar (optional, to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Heat olive oil in a medium saucepan or skillet over medium heat.

Step 2

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, ground cumin, cinnamon, chili powder, and cocoa powder. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the tomato paste and natural peanut butter, creating a thick paste.

Step 5

Gradually pour in the vegetable broth while whisking to avoid lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Step 6

Add the rinsed black beans and frozen corn (if using). Simmer the sauce for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Step 7

Taste and season with salt and a pinch of brown sugar, if desired, for a hint of sweetness.

Step 8

Remove from heat and stir in the lime juice for a fresh, tangy finish.

Step 9

Serve warm over rice, roasted vegetables, or with tortillas. Garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1214.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	961.6

Total Fat 25.6g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g
Cholesterol 0mg	0%
Sodium 3126.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 152.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 43.7g	0%
Total Sugars 28.7g
Protein 49.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 333.0mg	0%
Iron 15.4mg	0%
Potassium 3094.4mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.2%

Protein: 19.2%

Carbs: 58.6%