Even if you are familiar with guacamole and mole, it’s understandable to wonder if they are related. After all, both have “mole” as part of their respective names, right? Let’s take a look at the similarities and differences between these two Mexican delicacies.
Guacamole vs Mole: the Similarities
Let’s begin by listing the things that guacamole and mole have in common.
First off, both are traditional Mexican foods made with natural ingredients – and both are delicious.
Guacamole is a spread made with avocado, lime juice, onions, tomato, and jalapenos. Mole, for its part, is a complex sauce made combining a long list of ingredients that may include chocolate, chili peppers, tomato, and seeds.
Guacamole and mole share a portion of their names, and not by coincidence: The “mole” in “guacamole” and “mole” comes from the same source: Nahual, the language spoken by the Aztecs and Toltecs.
In nahuatl, “mulli,” means “sauce” or “broth. “Mole” is a derivative of this word. “Guacamole” comes from the nahuatl “ahuacamulli,” which can be translated as “avocado sauce.
Guacamole vs Mole: the Differences
So, to recap: guacamole and mole are similar in that their names share a common nahuatl root. However, the similarities pretty much stop there.
Guacamole is notoriously easy to make: all you have to do is to mash a couple of avocados, add lime juice, and incorporate cilantro, chopped tomato, and chopped onions into the mix. Salt to taste, and you’re good to go.
Mole, on the other hand, is one of the most complex dishes in Mexican cuisine, involving different types of chili peppers and spices — not to mention a couple of hours to prepare it.
Another important difference is that mole always involve meat, while guacamole calls for plant-based ingredients only, making it a savory alternative perfect for vegetarians.
Plus, guacamole is a spread or dip. Mole, on the other hand, is a full-fledged dish that can keep you busy for an entire meal.
The best part is that although there are some important differences between mole and guacamole, you don’t have to choose: You can always enjoy both!
El Pollo Norteño: Authentic Mexican Food
Craving delicious, authentic Mexican food made with ingredients of the highest quality? El Pollo Norteño has you covered!
Visit any of our five locations (Anaheim, Santa Ana, Garden Grove, and Lake Forest), order online, get in touch through Facebook, or call 866-MI-POLLO to enjoy our vast selection of authentic Mexican dishes.
To learn more about guacamole, check out our previous posts, “What Do You Eat Guacamole With? 7 Ideas” and “An Easy (and Authentic) Guacamole Recipe.”