CultureJuly 16, 2026

mole

/ˈmoʊleɪ/

Definition

A complex, traditional Mexican sauce made from a variety of ingredients, including chiles, spices, nuts, and often chocolate, used as a base for meats and other dishes.

Etymology

The word comes from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word 'mōlli,' which simply refers to a sauce or concoction. It was adopted into Spanish and eventually entered English to describe these specific, intricate Mexican culinary preparations.

In the news

The article mentions 'heritage moles' as a highlight of the Central Mexico culinary region, showcasing the deep cultural and historical importance of this sauce at the food festival.

America's Best Mexican Food Festival Returns to Tucson Aug. 8

Read the full article ↗

Tucson Foodie

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