Using Ancient Tools To Make Traditional Mexican Chicken Mole | Passport Kitchen | Epicurious

Chef Saúl Montiel from Cantina Rooftop in New York returns to Epicurious for the next installment of Passport Kitchen, this time building the complex flavors of a traditional mole poblano from over 30 ingredients.
Follow Chef Saúl on Instagram at @chefsaulmontiel and @CantinaRooftop
Buy the metate chef Saúl uses for this recipe: fave.co/3f2wOJu
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Producer: Jonathan Bang
Director: Maria Paz Mendez Hodes
Director of Photography: Charlie Jordan
Editor: Phil Ceconi
Host: Saul Montiel
Sr. Culinary Director: Kelly Janke
Culinary Producer: Jessica Do
Culinary Associate Producer: Leslie Raney
Line Producer: Jen McGinty
Associate Producer: Sam Ghee
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Camera Operator: Jake Robbins
Audio: Lily Van Leeuwen
Research Director: Ryan Harrington
Copy and Recipe Editor: Vivian Jao
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araújo
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[@sauin.]

I've said this before and I'll say it again - I need a whole series of Saul cooking Mexican food.

[@Y0utubeIsFuckingHomo]

Better Call Saul

[@DriveBySusy]

Same!! Great authentic recipes, his passion for food and his personality!!!

[@oscarmart1]

Here is Saul's Channel youtube.com/@ChefSaulMontiel

[@wannendlichrevo2750]

"You" need that? Nahhh WE need that

[@bella8672]

I feel like eating his cooking will heal my soul.

[@iRoyal21]

Any episode with Saul in it makes it legendary :)

[@cwg73160]

Exaggerating and misusing words is classic KZbin.

[@lorenzoguizolfi7738]

Facts

Thank you 🙏🏻 😃😃😃😃

[@cavemanfisher3340]

Saul is definitely legendary 100 %

[@cavemanfisher3340]

Being jealous of how somebody got a compliment is classic KZbin keyboards warrior loser behaviour

[@WaynoGur]

My next door neighbour Mrs. Estrada, was from Southern Mexico. She made the best mole'. We were Italian. We swapped a lot of food. Growing up, we had the best of two cultures.

[@billyfuckenbob]

are you still Italian?

[@WaynoGur]

@@billyfuckenbob of course.

[@Mr_AbdulRehman]

Italian and Mexican cuisines are those which I admire a lot. I've explored Chinese cuisine to a very extent ( I think even after years you can't say you have mastered your taste pallets to a cuisine, let alone the whole food). Being Pakistani, my food exploration of my own country really began when I returned home after a few years abroad and I didn't expect that much variety in my country, as many said in comments every region has it's own dishes and tastes. So firstly, I'll recommend everyone to try Pakistani food and travel to Pakistan (sidenote: there's a whole bunch of variety other than just food, ocean, dessert, Himalayas, green valleys etc). The food is commonly referred to as Indian food on the international level. Secondly, I wish I had such an experience of having Italian and Mexican cultures around me. I envy you. Peace. Love.

[@MorkyMuffin]

And Southern Mexico totally has the best moles

[@utkarshdube370]

I am Indian and with all respectful to the wonderful Mexican culture, this really reminds me of Indian cooking. The techiques, the way of eating, the utensils, and even the pot to cook in. Such rich history and such wonderful connection! Voila

[@kozukizaki8675]

Yes! Whenever I introduce my Indian friends to Mexican food, I start with molé as it's flavor is similar to some Indian food.

[@vjs2048]

I am Indian but my favorite cuisine is Mexican. One of the reasons it was easy for me to relate to it was the similarity in spices and overall flavors two cuisines have in common: cilantro, cumin, chilies, the importance of thin bread (tortillas or rotis), you name it!

[@ericktellez7632]

Both regions, the Indus valley and the mesoamerican region in the valley of Mexico are both cradles of civilization

[@TrintleJr64]

For real!

[@lanehaygood959]

Lots of places in Texas have started fusing the two cuisines. I've had lamb and avocado tacos on fresh tandoori naan, or samosa chaat nachos. Great stuff.

[@VRodz-11]

My metate and molcajete have been passed down from mother to daughter for 4 generations. They are still in use and symbolic of our culture and carionsos for our family.

[@rajarajeswari1429]

We in southern India tamilnadu we use same kind of tool to grind our traditional spices. Find lot of similarities it also made of granite rock named as 'ammi kal' in tamil language.

[@VRodz-11]

@@rajarajeswari1429 thank you so much for sharing that information. I love learning about different cultures

[@salvadorarreolarodriguez6165]

Saul casually explains how to make one of the most complex dishes in the world due to its preparation and flavor, amount of ingredients, even physical work... and makes it look simple, I think I'll try it for the first time xD As a separate note... the mole has THOUSANDS of recipes, even in a community each family can have its variants... easily reaching recipes with more than 30 ingredients...

[@mb2444]

Saul's videos are a jewel. He shares the history, technique, and significance of food to the Mexican culture in a very engaging way. I would love to see a complete series with him or a dedicated channel with him.

[@RexGalilae]

I had Mole at an upscale authentic Mexican restaurant (the kind that ships every ingredient from Mexico) and it made me think of food in a way I never did What he said about the piano and the song makes sense when you try it. The mole is so complex that it feels like music or a fragrance with its top and base notes. Something else entirely

[@anasevi9456]

two of my favourite foods on the planet since I was a child are a good sweet indian curry, or mexican mole. Because if they are made right, both are a symphony of rich flavours in your mouth.

[@frograna2]

Awesome, that's so true. Ever since i got really into cooking I've made it a habit to cook my own food while down in Mexico it adds to the experience too because it gives my family and i an excuse to party every day while I'm down there 😅👍

[@RexGalilae]

@@anasevi9456 100% agreed. Mexicans and Indians have a surprising amount in common from food to even appearance haha Extremely diverse and rich cultures

[@RexGalilae]

@@frograna2 As a home cook, I'm sure it gave you a lot to geek out about! I know I was all over the place when I tried it As a fraghead, identifying individual flavours in it is reminiscent of identifying notes in fragrances

[@bta0844]

Yes! It’s a musical rollercoaster of flavors in your mouth that changes as you taste it.

[@zdfloser]

I’m only half way through the video and I had to pause and take a second because I got emotional after seeing him use the metlapil. How much we’ve been robbed of our culture and traditions but to see him put his soul into this dish.. it’s truly an honor. Our ancestors smiling rn.

[@dantecain6277]

I get what you're saying but my ancestors would smack me with a shoe and say "I did not raise you to be stupid! We have blenders for a reason!"

[@luiscazares7560]

Why do people hate one side of their culture and not the other? The fact that were mixed between indigenous and spanish makes us Mexican and gives us our culture. Unless you are 100% native you should appreciate both sides.

[@carlosmacmartin4205]

Not sure where you and your people come from, but as a Chicano I'm proud of all the ancestors I'm related to: Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Irish, Jew, Arab, African, Mongolian, and Native. I've never met any person who was 100% one race. Probably doesn't exist. Case and point. It's the same story all over the world. Conquest and Assimilation.

[@zdfloser]

@@luiscazares7560 I didn’t say anything about hate. But I personally don’t vibe with genocide and oppression. That’s just me tho

[@zdfloser]

@@carlosmacmartin4205 good for you

[@LauraC369]

Digno embajador de nuestra cocina, patrimonio nacional. Bravo 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽

[@ivorybow]

I laughed when you said your mom said you were nuts to use a metate. I felt better because I don't have one. Please give us more of Chef Saul!

[@chronicallynerdy4074]

I'm a simple girl. I see Saul, I click IMMEDIATELY.

[@DriveBySusy]

Me too! Him and Frank. Im a softy for both

[@Mendokusai99]

I used to make mole years ago. From smoking ingredients to cooking, it would take me two days. Imma start again after watching this.

[@notactuallymyrealname]

SUPER appreciate this demo. I, a gringa, have made mole exactly once and my Mexican boyfriend was Very Polite about it. I see where I went wrong and I can't wait to try again! (Of course, it will never be as good as his mom's.)

[@wendycarballo7092]

You sound like me, another gringa, learning to make pupusas for my Salvadoran husband. Mine are getting better and I bet your mole will too.

[@jvillanueva2978]

I love how you say he was very polite about it lol I love how youre learning and doing things for him tho much love to yall

[@ZacCostilla]

My wife is from a Rancho in Guanajuato, Mexico, and her mom’s family serve it over sopa de arroz. They also all use mole in their tamales instead of the other pepper sauces when they want them extra special. ¡Muy sabroso!

[@caaltaga]

Man you are making me hungry

[@rabbitscooter]

What a treat and a privilege to see mole prepared and ground in the traditional fashion. My mouth is watering! Thank you, chef.

[@noahnoah9274]

What a treat Cheers

[@Delong7221]

Saul has always been one of my favortites and it's so much more enjoyable seeing his character and fun side come out over time. :)

[@daniel-lara]

I come from a very small town in Tlaxcala Mexico, where we have our version of mole which it’s actually more spicy than Oaxaqueño, seen this it’s actually a remainder of how high Mexican cuisine really is, a very complex dish that takes flavor since the very time using the metate and the metlapil. My abuela would be proud of this recipe!

[@pasofino9583]

Tlaxcala is a place? 🤯

[@daniel-lara]

@@pasofino9583 Lo es! 😂

[@pasofino9583]

@@daniel-lara 🤣🤣 Saludos a ti y a Tlaxcala 🙏

[@ChrisCoyotee]

My dad's from a small town in Guerrero and the mole is definitely more spicy there as well

[@umarbagharib4146]

That's why chef saul said that every Mexican has their own recipe of mole😮

[@PuffinPsychologist]

Keep em coming. More Saul. More Mexican Heritage and tradition.

[@ominousending2145]

Who wouldn't love to have Saul cooked a meal for your family?

How much are talking about ? 😁😁😁😁😂😂😂 cheers 🥂

How much are talking about ? 😁😁😁😁😂😂😂 cheers 🥂

[@ominousending2145]

@ luv u man 🙏

[@montseprdz9765]

Now, THIS is mexican cuisine!

[@sergiobejaranolangarica4761]

Mexican cuisine made right. I'm too lazy so I usually buy Doña Maria and mix it with chicken hahaha, but anything compares to make it yourself with all the patience in the world. I made it just once from scratch in my life, took me about 8 hours to prepare. My friend's grandma was really surprised LOL! Gracias Chef!

[@salvadorarreolarodriguez6165]

did you use a blender?.. i want to try this...

[@sergiobejaranolangarica4761]

@@salvadorarreolarodriguez6165 yes, grandma also used a metate, but she says blender is OK and I trust her LOL

[@DriveBySusy]

If u do use that ready made mole its tio bitter. Just add fried plantains maybe crackers if it got too thin. I like adding more chocolate. But im a chocolate lover

[@kianagreen682]

Chef Saul is my absolute favorite. Please keep bringing him on this channel for more episodes! I could watch him cook all day!

[@sallybanner]

chef Saúl is so charming, he needs his own show. love him

[@antonette6155]

That's what I was thinking too!

[@siddlicious]

I laughed so hard when he said it’s so important, because anytime we celebrate we make mole. So true lmao

[@thatdudebro]

italy: our cuisine is all about ingredients and technique mexico: hold my cerveza

[@CG-kf5vh]

Madre de Dios! Y yo que creía que la comida India tenía muchos ingredientes. Excelente presentación. Gracias.

[@rafaelacunagonzalez2838]

Tenemos platos así de complejos en cada país latinoamericano, en Venezuela es la hallaca ¡Toma mucho esfuerzo hacerlas! ¡Saludos!

[@andreshhsv]

I have always thought that making mole from scratch it's an almost impossible mission. And I still think it's really difficult, but seeing Saul making it gave me hope and I'll do it.

[@skinnysnorlax1876]

Just give yourself time. Take time to care for each ingredient separately. I am sure there are Abuelas who have been cooking this for a million years who can whip it up relatively quickly, but no need to rush. Patience often brings about the best food

[@DriveBySusy]

Its not hard broth, fry, throw it in a blender. Lots of ingredients but easy process. Worth it

[@kerropioff-brand8991]

Chef Saul is literally the best, I love every video with him!

[@kalenorchard1729]

I got to hear more of Saul-the-Person with this, thank-you. Saul's influence has on this channel has been a particular delight. I hope to see other impactful chefs with deep-dive features like this.

[@hassielcamacho2497]

If you're American you NEED to do this recipe. It's authentic, it's delicious, nothing like you ever tasted, there's no better recipe in Mexican food, but if we try to find one, Mole will be in the list definitely.

[@martinakaiser843]

This is my fork and this is my knife.... ! Simply great!👍

[@dinaharris1553]

I love Saul. He not only cooks exceptionally, he's also a natural entertainer!!!

[@gertrudyscanales9281]

Saúl, I may be Nicaraguan, not Mexican, but your dedication to preserving indigenous traditions through your cooking is truly inspiring. Your respect for the ingredients and traditions makes me feel like you're representing all of us. Keep making Latinos proud! 🌟👨‍🍳🇲🇽🇳🇮

[@shogum]

thank you Aztecs and thank you Mayans by culture, knowledge, and food of course!

[@sandykl]

Saul is the real MVP. And he is his own style. It’s great

[@ashtonandjohn]

Saul is absolutely amazing. Talented and very entertaining to watch!

[@savannahm.laurentian1286]

Finally, someone that layers mole flavors properly!

[@NC-qc7wd]

I just love him, mi gordito favorito!! I am going to be in Oaxaca in Feb 2023 for my 60th birthday, Cannot wait!

[@lizdierdorf]

as a Poblana, I can say I like Saul’s version but, my family’s recipe is less red and more brownish in color, and also less dense ❤

[@darckto7247]

hay muchos tipos de moles, desde rojo, hasta verde pasando por amarillo & cafe

[@TheBiffa94]

I will literally watch any video with Saul in it. Loved this, love the format. More please!

[@niza4953]

This blows my mind! Never knew Mole has Maria biscuits! Thanks, Saul, for the in-depth demo!

[@JM-wd3dk]

It doesn’t, thats just his version

[@papirojo4228]

That’s actually not common. Stale bread is the norm.

[@salvadorarreolarodriguez6165]

bread is usually used as he mentions... but, each family can have its own "secret" ingredients or variations... that is the magic of traditional mole...

[@skinnysnorlax1876]

It's probably like an Italian ragu, where *literally* every nonna will have her iwn recipe which the whole family swears is the only authentic one. Lol, I love food

[@saanta3141]

I never cared for New York, but I would go JUST to go to his restaurant!!

[@Flylifeforever]

Wow! First time seeing this guy! Impressive, I’m a fan! Love the historical commentary too! Aztecas and Mayas!!

[@kangaroojack7252]

We ABSOLUTELY need a cook book from this man!

[@maureennochannel]

This guy...I love this guy.

[@briantorres3207]

saul is the man!

[@neoXmachina]

Brings me soo much joy watching Saul making my favorite dish!

[@4k1r3]

Chef Saúl just had arms exercising with that metate xD, my respect to everyone who still uses metate and molcajete

[@abbypitts3857]

This is wonderful! The people want more of this talented chef's lessons! Please and thank you!

[@jonathanalvizo7625]

YESSSSS MOLE!!! Thank you Saul and Epicurious 😍😍😍

[@paullukis3315]

It is amazing to see how cooking culture evolved independently. He is clearly cooking in a wok, and that is awesome.

[@k.fuentes7448]

Watching you cook sir makes me happy.

[@peppy619]

Mole is hands down one of the most complex sauces period.

[@maxxsingh527]

Saul is so adorable ❤️

[@mariannefoucrault]

Saúl en la casaaaa 🎉

[@wedzi]

Truly a labour of love. Excellent work Saul!

[@TanukiSC]

Saul is the BEST

[@jesusrojas5220]

This episode is about to be a banger!

[@Al-cf9qi]

We must protect this man at all costs

[@jasondutton2531]

Growing up Mexican, I never really liked mole, but this version makes me want to try it again!

[@PrinxeJey]

I’m convinced I haven’t had a good dish of mole bc I haven’t had anybody put love into it.

[@salvadorarreolarodriguez6165]

Tastes change with age, as a boy I didn't like it very much, now I love it...

[@terryt.1643]

Thanks for this. For almost 30 years, I demonstrated historically accurate 1800’s cooking using traditional tools in a State Park. I really enjoyed this videos.

[@MinkytheMinkY]

"sexy and spicy, also like me" 🤣🤣🤣. Saul is so enjoyable.

[@margaritaelizarde4395]

So glad you are educating the public on our contributions to the world.

[@chihuahuakween2085]

I love Saúl; he's so wholesome 😭❤

[@pamelamusante5343]

New subscriber👍. Thank goodness he just appeared 😁Love this guy, and his way of cooking, and sense of humor. I'm a mole fan as well.🤗. I lived in central Mexico. I miss it so much. So this is like going back home for me. I Love Mexico, and the people. The best experience of my life🥰💜💙💛💚❤️. If I ever get a chance to move back permanently, I 💯 would go back. 🤩

[@rodrigul3]

Chef Saul! ❤🙏🏼 LETS GO! Yup he’s 100% right in our Mexico Family there’s always Mole.

[@tenshiangelina]

OMG, I was today years old when I found out Saúl is from my State, Hidalgo 😯😯😯 That's exactly how I eat mole, you need no fork, no knife.

[@latiam]

Wow, that looks amazing!! Also, I'm never making mole...😭

[@NataliaBiasi]

If you ever have the chance to eat mole, DO IT. Its flavor is so delicious and complex. God bless Mexico.

[@romdom9406]

Im hooked on his voice. So energetic, his accent is beautiful 😊

[@angelirohival6270]

Wow! My family has been making authentic mole Poblano for decades! I was familiar with some of the ingredients, but some of these were new to me. But, authentic mole poblano is delicious! Provecho!

[@checho00]

Saul is the best always make me smile

[@scorptheo]

I can't believe I chuckled the same time Saul did😉😉

[@FumoCrayolas]

Qué chido eres Saúl! Muchas gracias por tu trabajo

[@bethwray9915]

This chef is awesome, and I learned so much. About to head to Oaxaca and now I know the difference between Mole Poblano and the Oaxaca style. Thanks for a great and entertaining tutorial. Mole was always intimidating to me but now I feel like I could make it myself! (with patience).

[@TTM1895]

Top marks! Another great recipe w/great technique.

[@clintfarmer1]

Never seen this guy before but he's fantastic! Using a metate for any preparation is hard work. Kudos on keeping it authentic! 😊

[@TheTeddiiStream]

i love the Energy of this dude, he absolutely could adopt me!

[@mx23rider81]

Saul is a great entertainment chef!!! 💯💯

[@PotooBurd]

I enjoy this so much! Amazing content, best wishes to you and your future projects! 🌻

[@MinkytheMinkY]

Never had mole poblano, my soul is comprised of mole Oaxaqueño but I want to try Saul's. The way he describes all the parties with family around, yes, that is happiness.

[@shiroumxm2052]

poblano is better

[@dimplesd8931]

Get this guy a cooking channel show

[@WittowBudduh]

I wish I could love myself as much as Saul loves himself

[@RubyTwilite]

I made a mole poblano a few years ago from a book and it was out of this world! But I used the licuadora! It was a lot of work but so worth it! And it froze really well!

[@sharonmatheson5948]

Delightful. Muy bueno! Such a fun and interesting chef, fabulous food and a nice youch of humour.

[@yashvardhanraju8052]

There's two types of mole, oaxaqueno or poblano. Poblano it's more like me, sweet and tasty, and the oaxaqueno is more sexy and spicy. Also like me. PLEASE HES SO FUNNY

[@hisbigal]

I had a good giggle as well.

[@alejandrovegazamora5405]

Mexico es proud of u Saul

[@SamBassComedy]

I love MOLE! I want to go to Mexico and try all the Mole!

[@mishfishy7645]

Absolutely amazing

[@sebastiancomsa2133]

As great as his food is i bet eating and drinking with Saul would be at least as much fun!

[@DanielHernandez-ue9ww]

How can i triple like a video? Fan of Saul, fan of mole and a new fan of this more detailed format of video. Keep it going Epicurious!!

Saludos 🍻 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@TheBiffa94]

Agreed!

[@faithlilis]

And TYSM for explaining the Oaxaqueño and Poblano moles, my uncles can have a debate FOR LITERARY HOURS debating how a "REAL" MOLE SHOULD TASTE LIKE LOL i keep telling "i conclude that YOUR MOTHER'S IS THE ORIGINAL MOLE, AND WE ALL HAVE OUR OWN MOTHERS OK" seriously 😅

[@JoshMarshain]

Absolutely incredible

[@mirojone]

Well, time to text the wife we are going out for dinner. It's been too long since I've had some mole. I miss my hometown's, but hoping for good things here!

[@frisco9568]

I absolutely love mole. Mole in enchiladas and chilaquiles is the most transcendental experience on food. My favorite moles are definitely from Oaxaca and Puebla🇲🇽🔥

[@teasugarsalt]

I had this kind of mole at my cousin's wedding years ago and I can't stop thinking about it

[@Casta02]

Saul is my favorite chef on this channel. Followed by Frank. They should cook together that would be an episode.

[@BrotherHoodofTheDogxix]

Best chef on KZbin

[@gregdali1011]

great job chef, keep those videos coming