Vegan Fermented Chocolate-Cranberry Mole
This unique fermented condiment combines tart cranberries with rich cocoa and smoky pasilla chili powder to create a complex Mexican-inspired mole paste. The fermentation process develops deep, tangy flavors while mellowing the heat. Perfect as a sauce for roasted meats, stirred into stews, or used as a bold condiment. The natural fermentation takes 7-14 days but rewards patience with intensely layered flavors that keep for months refrigerated.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- ½ cup dried unsweetened cherries
- 5 tablespoons pasilla chili powderancho chili powder1:1conf:4
Sweet earthiness replaces smoky heat
- 2 ¼ teaspoons cocoa powder
- ½ cup orange juice, freshly squeezed
- ¾ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, cherries, chili powder, and cocoa powder in a food processor
- 2
Add orange juice and process mixture to a paste consistency
- 3
Sprinkle in salt and mix
- 4
Pack paste into appropriately sized jar, pressing out air pockets and leaving 1 inch headspace
- 5
Press plastic or parchment against surface to eliminate air, then screw lid tightly
- 6
Set jar in kitchen corner to ferment, monitoring for air pockets
- 7
Open and press down paste if air pockets form, burp lid if it bulges
- 8
Ferment for 7 to 14 days until cranberries develop lemony flavor and flavors meld
- 9
Place clean plastic or parchment round on paste surface, tighten lid, and refrigerate
Tips
Monitor fermentation daily for air pockets and burp the jar if the lid bulges to prevent over-pressurization
Use a jar that fits the paste snugly to minimize air exposure during fermentation
The paste is ready when cranberries taste lemony and all flavors have integrated harmoniously
Good to Know
Refrigerate up to 12 months with plastic directly on surface
Ferment 7-14 days ahead, improves with time in refrigerator
Use as condiment for roasted meats or stir into stews
Common Mistakes
Press out air pockets completely to prevent unwanted bacteria growth
Monitor daily for air bubbles to maintain proper fermentation
Keep plastic pressed against surface to prevent mold formation
Substitutions
Sweet earthiness replaces smoky heat
FAQ
Can I speed up the fermentation process?
No, the 7-14 day timeline allows proper flavor development and safe fermentation. Rushing risks poor flavor and food safety issues.
What if my paste develops white film on top?
White film is usually kahm yeast, which is harmless but affects taste. Remove it and press fresh plastic against the surface.
How long will this keep after fermentation?
Properly stored in the refrigerator with plastic on the surface, it keeps up to 12 months and may improve with age.