When most people think of chocolate, they imagine sweet desserts, candies, or hot drinks. But in traditional Mexican cuisine, chocolate plays a starring role in savory, complex, and deeply historical dishes. That’s right—chocolate isn’t just for dessert!
In this article, we’ll explore 5 Mexican dishes that use chocolate as a key ingredient—and none of them are sweet. If you’re in Florida, you can taste some of these amazing recipes for yourself at Tortillería Restaurant El Progreso, where we proudly keep our culinary roots alive.
1. Mole Poblano: The King of Savory Chocolate
Mole poblano is the most iconic Mexican dish that uses chocolate. It’s a thick, dark, and rich sauce made from a complex blend of more than 20 ingredients, including dried chiles, nuts, seeds, spices like cinnamon and cloves, and, of course, dark Mexican chocolate.
Chocolate balances out the heat and acidity of the other ingredients and adds depth to the flavor. Mole poblano is typically served over chicken or turkey, paired with rice and warm tortillas.
“Suggested video: Traditional preparation of mole poblano in a Mexican kitchen.”
2. Mole Enchiladas
This next dish is a variation of the classic mole but with a different presentation. Mole enchiladas are made by filling corn tortillas with shredded chicken or cheese, rolling them up, and smothering them with mole sauce. The dish is then topped with sesame seeds and sometimes sliced onions for added texture and flavor.
Mole enchiladas are a favorite at family gatherings and holidays, delivering the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.
3. Chocolate and Chile Tamales
When it comes to tamales, the possibilities are endless. One lesser-known but amazing variation is the chocolate and chile savory tamale. This dish uses masa infused with cocoa powder and is often filled with pulled pork, spicy chile sauce, and aromatic spices. The result is a tamale that’s slightly bitter, mildly spicy, and richly satisfying.
This type of tamale is found in central and southern regions of Mexico and is a delicious fusion of ancient cacao traditions and colonial influences.
4. Champurrado: The Mexican Chocolate Corn Drink
Champurrado is a thick, traditional Mexican drink—not quite a dessert, but a warm, comforting beverage often enjoyed at breakfast or with tamales. It’s made with masa harina, piloncillo (unrefined cane sugar), cinnamon, and chocolate.
This ancient drink was consumed by Aztec warriors and modern-day families alike. At Tortillería Restaurant El Progreso, we serve authentic champurrado that brings the flavors of Mexico right to your cup.
5. Black Pipian: Mole’s Cousin
Black pipián is a lesser-known but equally flavorful sauce made from toasted pumpkin seeds, dried chiles, spices, and a touch of cacao. The chocolate is subtle here, used mostly to deepen the color and flavor profile, resulting in a velvety sauce that pairs beautifully with pork, chicken, or roasted vegetables.
This dish is more common in Oaxaca and Chiapas and offers a unique twist on the traditional mole for adventurous palates.
Why Is Chocolate Used in Savory Mexican Dishes?
The use of chocolate in savory cooking is no accident. Cacao was considered sacred by the Mayans and Aztecs, who used it in religious rituals, as currency, and as the base for powerful ceremonial drinks. When the Spanish arrived, they introduced new ingredients like cinnamon and sugar, which fused with indigenous techniques to create what we now know as mole, champurrado, and other cacao-based dishes.
In Mexico, chocolate doesn’t just sweeten life—it spices it up.
Where to Taste These Chocolate-Infused Mexican Dishes?
If you’re in Florida and curious to try authentic Mexican dishes made with chocolate, we invite you to visit Tortillería Restaurant El Progreso. Our menu highlights the flavors of our homeland, including dishes like mole enchiladas and house-made champurrado that pay homage to Mexico’s rich culinary heritage.
We also celebrate special occasions like National Chocolate Day (July 7) with featured menu items and community events that connect our traditions with our customers.
Final Thoughts
Chocolate in Mexican cuisine goes far beyond desserts. It’s a historic, sacred ingredient that bridges generations and cultures, transforming everyday dishes into something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re a chocolate lover or just curious, these savory Mexican recipes will open your mind—and your taste buds.
Come visit us and let the flavors of traditional cacao surprise you!
