Poulet Mole Haitien
A rich and flavorful Haitian chicken stew, often prepared for special occasions, featuring a complex sauce made with a blend of spices, vegetables, and sometimes a touch of bitter chocolate or coffee for depth.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Chicken(cut into serving pieces)
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 large Bell peppers(chopped (any color))
- 3 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 2 tbsp Tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Thyme(fresh, chopped)
- 2 tbsp Parsley(fresh, chopped)
- 1 small Scotch bonnet pepper(seeded and minced (optional, for heat))
- 3 tbsp Vegetable oil
- 4 cups Chicken broth
- 1 oz Bitter chocolate or strong coffee(unsweetened, for depth (optional))
- Salt(to taste)
- Black pepper(to taste)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken pieces on all sides until golden. Remove chicken and set aside.
- 2
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic, bell peppers, and scotch bonnet pepper (if using), and cook for another 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- 3
Stir in the diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes begin to break down.
- 4
Return the browned chicken to the pot. Add the chopped thyme and parsley. Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the chicken is mostly submerged. If using, stir in the bitter chocolate or coffee.
💡 Tip: The chocolate/coffee adds a unique depth of flavor, not sweetness. - 5
Bring the stew to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 1 hour and 15 minutes, or until the chicken is very tender and the sauce has thickened.
💡 Tip: Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. - 6
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve hot.
💡 Tip: Often served with rice, plantains, or bread.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓For a deeper flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes in a mixture of lime juice, garlic, and herbs before browning.
- ✓If the sauce is too thin, you can remove the chicken and simmer the sauce uncovered for a few minutes to reduce it.
- ✓Adjust the amount of scotch bonnet pepper to your spice preference, or omit it entirely.
🔄 Variations
- Add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce for a creamier texture and nutty flavor.
- Include other root vegetables like carrots or potatoes for a heartier stew.