Green Mole Empanadas
Green mole and chicken empanadas fried in maize dough.
About this recipe
Empanadas filled with green mole and chicken, wrapped in maize dough and fried until golden and crispy. A classic Oaxacan street food with intense flavour and pre-Hispanic heritage.
History & Origin
Green mole empanadas are among the most emblematic street foods of Oaxacan gastronomy, originating in the Central Valleys of Oaxaca where they have been prepared since pre-Hispanic times. They are filled with green mole made from fresh herbs including epazote, hierba santa and coriander, combined with tomatillos and serrano chillies. In Oaxacan markets, Zapotec women shape them by hand and fry them to order.
Estimated cost
£8.50
Total cost
£1.06
Per serving
* Approximate prices based on UK supermarkets
Nutritional information per serving
320
Calories
14g
Protein
28g
Carbohydrates
18g
Fat
3g
Fibre
420mg
Sodium
* Approximate values. May vary depending on ingredients used.
Method
- 1
Boil the chicken breasts in salted water with onion and garlic until cooked (20 minutes). Shred and reserve the stock.
- 2
Prepare the green mole: boil the tomatillos and serrano chillies. Blend with epazote, hierba santa, coriander and a little chicken stock.
- 3
Fry the green sauce in a tablespoon of hot oil, season with salt and cook for 10 minutes. Mix with the shredded chicken.
- 4
Prepare the dough by mixing maize flour with warm water, salt and a tablespoon of lard. Knead until smooth and pliable.
- 5
Form small balls of dough, flatten each one on cling film to make a disc. Place a generous spoonful of filling in the centre.
- 6
Fold the dough into a half-moon shape and seal the edges by pressing with your fingers. Fry in hot oil until golden on both sides.
Have you tried this recipe?
Tell us how it turned out. Your feedback helps other cooks.
Leave a review
Rate this recipe
Founder, Recetas Mexas
Mexican from Puebla, IT professional and foodie. Author of 736+ authentic Mexican recipes adapted for European kitchens. Based in Madrid since 2018.
Read moreRelated Recipes
Queso Asado (Grilled Sonoran Cheese)
Sonoran fresh cheese melted on a griddle with chilli strips and flour tortillas.
Courgette Flower Quesadillas
Corn masa quesadilla filled with sauteed courgette flowers and Oaxaca cheese.
Pressed Pork Crackling Gorditas
Thick corn masa pocket stuffed with pressed pork crackling in green salsa.
Bean Tlacoyos
Thick oval-shaped corn tortilla stuffed with black beans, served with cactus paddles and salsa.