Squash Enmoladas
These Squash Enmoladas combine the earthy richness of homemade mole with the creamy sweetness of roasted butternut squash, creating a flavorful, plant-based spin on traditional enchiladas. Corn tortillas are filled with a spiced squash and caramelized onion mixture, folded, and smothered in a velvety, chocolate-infused mole sauce for a dish that's as nourishing as it is indulgent.
Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, these enmoladas are topped with optional cashew crema and fresh cilantro for a beautiful presentation and added creaminess. Whether you're a mole lover or trying it for the first time, this recipe will quickly become a favorite!
PREP TIME
COOK TIME
TOTAL TIME
INGREDIENTS
For the mole negro:
- 6 ancho chilis, strems and seeds removed
- 3 guajillo chilis, stems and seeds removed
- 4 cups warm broth, divided *broth of choice, I used vegetable broth 5-6 tbsp Neutral oil, * I like to use avocado oil
- 1 disk Mexican hot chocolate, I like using Ibarra or taza brand*
- 1/4 cup sesame seeds
- 1/4 cup pumpkin seeds
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 4 wole cloves
- 4 whole cardamom pods
- 1/4 tsp coriander seeds
- 1 small white onion, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled and kept whole
- 3 corn tortillas, roughly cut into 2 inch pieces
- 2 persimmons, tops and skin removed
For the enmoladas:
- 1 butternut squash, peeled, seeds removed and chopped into large chunks 3-5 tbsp neutral oil, divided
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- sea salt
- 2 tbsp cashew crema (optional)
- 1 white onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp butter, I used non dairy butter.
- 12 corn tortillas
- 3-4 cups mole sauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth (optional)
EQUIPMENT
Instructions
vIDEO INSTRUCTIONS
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Come hang out on Instagram and ask me all your questions.
You can also go ahead and send me an email at fuelednaturally@gmail.com.
For the mole negro:
- Add the de-seeded chilis to a hot pan and cook for 10-15 seconds on each side or until slightly bubbled then place the chilies in a bowl and cover with 3 cups of broth and drop in Mexican hot chocolate disk. Cover the bowl and set to the side.
- Return to the same pan, bring to medium heat, add drizzle of oil then add in sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, raisins, cinnamon stick, whole cloves, cardamom pods and coriander seeds. Move around continuously for 2-3 minute just until ingredients are golden. Transfer the ingredients to the bowl of dried chilis and broth and cover the bowl.
- Return to the same pan and add an additional 2 tbsp oil then add in onion, and cook for 3 minutes or until golden then add in whole garlic cloves and cook for an additional 2 minutes then add onion and garlic to your blender.
- Return to the pan once again, add in 2-3 tbsp of oil, add in the corn tortillas pieces and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until golden and slightly crisp. Add the tortillas to the bowl.
- Add the contents of the bowl to the blender in batches... may take 3 batches depending on how big your blender is. Blend on high for a couple minutes or until smooth. Add more of the broth if needed.
- Place a fine mesh strainer over a pot. Pour the mole through the fine mesh strainer.
- Repeat step 5 until all the contents are blended. Again, add additional broth or warm water
to the blender if needed. - Once all the mole sauce is in the pot, heat over medium low heat. Add a couple generous
pinch of salt, tasting and adjusting as needed. Simmer the mole for 1-2 hours over low heat. Add a few splashes of broth or water throughout depending on desired consistency.
For the enmoladas:
- Preheat oven to 375 F.
- To a large baking dish add the chopped butternut squash, drizzle over oil, add garlic and
onion powder and toss with your hands then sprinkle over a generous pinch of salt. Bake
for 24-28 minutes or until the squash is golden and fork tender. - Meanwhile, in a large pan over medium low heat add a couple tbsp oil and 2 tbsp butter
then add in the thinly sliced onions and sauce for 12-15 minutes over low heat or until the
onions are golden. Add a pinch of salt. - Once the butternut squash is out of the oven add to a mixing bowl, mash with a fork then
add in onions, optional cashew crema, and mix. season with salt to taste. - Heat mole sauce in a pot over medium low heat. The consistency should be more on the
runny side. Add about 1/4 cup of broth or water to loosen sauce, you want the consistency
of enchilada sauce. - To a pan over medium heat add in 1-2 tbsp oil, once hot add corn tortilla and cook for 10
seconds then flip and cook for an additional 10 seconds. You want a golden tortilla, but not too crisp/ crunchy. You want it pliable. Add the tortilla directly into the mole sauce then to a plate, add the butternut squash filling to one side of the tortilla, fold, then repeat step 6 until all the enmoladas are formed. - Plate as many enmoladas as you wish, spoon mole sauce over top. Enjoy as is or top with a dollop of crema and cilantro!
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
Come hang out on Instagram and ask me all your questions.
You can also go ahead and send me an email at feel free to email me at fuelednaturally@gmail.com.