Tortas Ahogadas, or "drowned sandwiches," are a traditional Mexican dish originating from Guadalajara. These sandwiches feature crusty bread filled with tender pork carnitas, submerged in a flavorful tomato-based sauce, and often topped with spicy chili sauce. The combination of textures and flavors makes this dish a beloved staple in Mexican cuisine.
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Ingredients
For the Sandwich:
🥖 4 bolillo rolls or crusty sandwich rolls
🍖 2 cups cooked pork carnitas
🧅 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
🍋 Juice of 1 lime
🧂 Salt, to taste
🌿 Fresh cilantro leaves, for garnish
For the Tomato Sauce:
🍅 4 ripe tomatoes
🧄 2 cloves garlic
🧅 1 small white onion
🌿 1 teaspoon dried oregano
🧂 Salt and pepper, to taste
💧 1 cup water
🫒 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Spicy Chili Sauce (optional):
🌶️ 6 dried arbol chilies
🧄 1 clove garlic
🧂 Salt, to taste
💧 ½ cup water
Equipment
• Blender
• Saucepan
• Skillet
• Knife and cutting board
• Mixing bowls
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Calories & Macros (per serving)
• Calories: 450
• Protein: 25g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 18g
Instructions
1. Prepare the Pickled Onions
o In a bowl, combine the thinly sliced red onion with lime juice and a pinch of salt.
o Toss to coat and let marinate while preparing the rest of the ingredients.
2. Make the Tomato Sauce
o Bring a pot of water to a boil.
o Score a small "X" on the bottom of each tomato and blanch them in boiling water for 1 minute.
o Transfer tomatoes to an ice bath, then peel and core them.
o In a blender, combine peeled tomatoes, garlic cloves, white onion, oregano, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of water.
o Blend until smooth.
o Heat vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
o Pour in the blended tomato mixture and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3. Prepare the Spicy Chili Sauce (optional)
o Remove stems and seeds from dried arbol chilies.
o Toast chilies in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant.
o In a blender, combine toasted chilies, garlic clove, salt, and ½ cup water.
o Blend until smooth.
o Strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove any solids.
4. Assemble the Sandwiches
o Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
o Slice bolillo rolls lengthwise, leaving one side attached.
o Fill each roll with a generous portion of pork carnitas.
o Place filled sandwiches on a baking sheet and warm in the oven for 10 minutes.
5. Drown the Sandwiches
o Remove sandwiches from the oven and place each one in a shallow bowl.
o Pour warm tomato sauce over each sandwich, ensuring they are well-covered.
o Drizzle with spicy chili sauce, if desired.
6. Garnish and Serve
o Top each sandwich with pickled red onions and fresh cilantro leaves.
o Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.
Cooking and Serving Tips
• Bread Choice: Bolillo rolls are traditional, but any crusty sandwich roll will work.
• Meat Preparation: Pork carnitas can be prepared ahead of time or purchased pre-cooked.
• Spice Level: Adjust the number of arbol chilies in the spicy sauce to control heat.
• Serving Suggestion: Accompany with a side of refried beans or a light salad.
Enjoy this authentic Mexican dish that brings the flavors of Guadalajara to your table!