A traditional Guatemalan dish — Mole de Plátano (plátanos en mole) turns ripe, sweet plantains into a celebration dish fit for holidays and feast days. The fried plantains are bathed in a glossy mole of roasted seeds, tomatillos, cinnamon, and a touch of chocolate and mild dried chiles — earthy, sweet, and a little smoky. It is one of Guatemala’s most beloved sweet traditions.
Mole de Plátano
A traditional Guatemalan dish — Mole de Plátano (plátanos en mole) turns ripe, sweet plantains into a celebration dish fit for holidays and feast days.

Step by stepInstructions
- Toast the sesame seeds and pepitoria in a dry skillet until the sesame is golden and the pumpkin seeds pop; set aside.
- Char the tomatoes and tomatillos on a griddle or under the broiler until blistered.
- Blend the roasted vegetables, toasted seeds, cinnamon, chocolate, drained chiles, sugar, salt, and broth into a smooth mole.
- Cook the mole in butter over medium heat, stirring, for 15 minutes, until thick and glossy; taste and add more sugar if needed.
- Fry the plantain slices in hot oil until golden brown on both sides; drain on paper towels.
- Nestle the fried plantains into the mole and simmer gently for 5 minutes so they soak up the sauce.
- Serve warm, spooning extra mole over the top, with white rice or alone as dessert.
💡 Chef tips & storage
Use plantains that are dark and soft — the sweeter they are, the better the dish. For a spicier mole, leave a few seeds in the chiles.

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