Chicken mole (pronounced moh-lay) is a classic Mexican dish and, arguably, a labor of love worth doing.
While it does require attention and time, anyone can make this dish and enjoy the unique spiciness and combination of flavors.
As a chocolate lover, I was drawn to this sauce originally due to its chocolate sauce. But don’t let this fool you. It’s a savory dish, not a sweet one! And if this is ever on the menu, I’m ordering it.
With chocolate and plenty of spice (and protein), you’ll find this dish is a delightful yet bold combination that can elevate your mood and take your mental health up a notch.
So, let’s get cooking!
This is by far my favorite Mexican dish (And I have a lot of favorites when it comes to Mexican food).
But no matter what, this takes the top spot due to its uniqueness and spiciness.
Even just having this dish in front of me boosts my mood (I’m not even kidding). But let’s dig into the mental health benefits of it and how you can make it.
And yes, it will require a bit of time.
But here’s some good news: You’ll definitely have sauce left over, making it a great addition to any meal prep routine.
This recipe has loads of good stuff. So, let’s dig in and discover why this might be the perfect dish to whip up when you’ve been in a funk.
The average chicken mole dish has about 26 grams of protein (about 25% of what most of us need daily!). In fact, most of our meals should ideally contain about 20-30 grams of protein for optimal macronutrient balance.
So, what’s the big deal about protein? Well, it’s not only great for building muscle… Protein also is a major contributor to neurotransmitters. This means it can play an essential role in how we think and feel.
Without adequate protein, our body might not be able to make hormones and neurotransmitters that elevate our mood or help us feel calm. In extreme situations, this can lead to depression and anxiety.
Related Article: Boost Your Serotonin Levels With This Easy Turmeric Chicken Recipe
According to research, chili peppers can help reduce depressive symptoms via their active compound capsaicin.
And get this: High chili intake is also associated with better cognitive function. In other words, it would appear that chilis might improve mental health and brain health, giving way to even more reasons to add a bit more spice to your life!
If you’re a chocolate lover like me, you’ll love this news: Dark chocolate has the power to increase serotonin and produce powerful euphoric effects.
Considering chicken mole contains loads of chocolate, this recipe can literally boost your mood, helping your body pump out those feel-good hormones.
Related Article: Does Chocolate Make Everything Better? Try This Chocolate Peanut Butter Oatmeal When You Feel Down
Inevitably, I’m a little biased; I love Mexican cuisine. And mole is my favorite Mexican sauce. But I urge you to give this recipe a try, not just for the mental health benefits but also for the great flavors that are unmatched anywhere else.
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