Mole amarillo (Oaxacan yellow-green mole)
Central Valleys and Sierra Norte, Oaxaca — everyday household mole
One of the seven Oaxacan moles — amarillo is the most versatile everyday mole, made with dried chiles (chilhuacle amarillo, ancho, guajillo), fresh tomatillos, tomatoes, and hierba santa. Unlike mole negro or poblano, amarillo is not dark or chocolate-based — it is yellow-orange and herbaceous. Used as a braising liquid, tamale sauce, or enchilada sauce. Masa is often added as a thickener.