Mole sauces come in various flavors and ingredients, with chile peppers and chocolate as the common factors.

Pork Tenderloin with Classic Mole Sauce

2 pork tenderloins, about 1 pound each
12 medium-size mulato chiles
6 medium-size pasilla chiles
4 medium-size ancho chiles
1/4 cup canola oil plus additional oil for roasting vegetables

4 plum tomatoes, stemmed, cut in half
1 small white onion, peeled, cut in half
2 garlic cloves, peeled
1/3 cup peanuts
1 day-old slice of white bread
1/4 cup sesame seeds, toasted
1/4 teaspoon ground coriander
1/4 teaspoon ground anise seed
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3 ounces Mexican chocolate
1/4 cup granulated sugar
salt to taste

1. Remove veins and seeds from chiles. Quickly fry chiles, one at a time, in hot oil in medium skillet. Remove chiles with slotted spoon and place in large bowl. Cover chiles with boiling water and let soak 20 minutes or until soft. Transfer chiles to blender container with about 1 cup soaking liquid and blend until smooth. Strain chile puree and set aside.
2. Place tomatoes, onion and garlic in shallow baking dish. Brush with oil and roast in 375°F (190°C) oven 20 to 30 minutes or until tomato skins separate from flesh. Transfer to blender container with peanuts, bread and sesame seeds. Blend until smooth, adding some water if necessary. Strain puree and add to a medium sized stock pot with the remaining ingredients, the chile puree and about 2 cups of water. Simmer 30 to 40 minutes or until sauce reduces and thickens. Check seasonings and add salt, if desired.
3. Meanwhile, season pork tenderloin with salt. Cook pork in cast-iron skillet over medium heat, turning frequently, until the internal temperature of pork is 160°F (70°C), about 15 minutes total cooking time. Let pork rest 5 minutes, covered with foil. Slice pork on diagonal and serve with warm mole sauce.

Server 6 to 8.

Nutrition Facts: Calories 410 calories Protein 29 grams Fat 22 grams Sodium 75 milligrams Cholesterol 65 milligrams Saturated Fat 4 grams Carbohydrates 27 grams

Recipe provided courtesy of Pork, Be Inspired®.