Tortas Ahogadas Fiesta

Introduction

Originating from the vibrant city of Guadalajara, Mexico, Tortas Ahogadas are a beloved dish steeped in rich culinary history. Often enjoyed as street food, these "drowned sandwiches" are "ahogada" due to being submerged in a spicy tomato sauce. Traditionally made with birote bread, which is denser and crustier than usual, it's perfectly suited to soak up the flavorful sauce without becoming too soggy.

History of Tortas Ahogadas

Legend has it that this iconic dish was accidentally created by a hungry tapatío (a resident of Guadalajara) who dropped a pork sandwich into a pot of spicy tomato sauce. The delightful combination was an instant hit and has since become a staple of Jalisco's cuisine. Today, Tortas Ahogadas symbolize the bold flavors and vibrant culture of Mexico.

Ingredients

• Pork - 1 lb, roasted and shredded
• Birote bread or crusty bolillo rolls
• Tomatoes - 6 ripe, chopped
• Onion - 1, chopped
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Chiles de Árbol - 5 dried
• White vinegar - 1 tablespoon
• Ground cumin - 1 teaspoon
• Oregano - 1 teaspoon
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste
• Avocado - 1, sliced
• Lime - 1, cut into wedges
• Fresh cilantro - for garnish
• Refried beans - optional, for spreading on bread

Preparation

1. Preparing the Sauce

1. In a saucepan, combine tomatoes, onion, garlic, and chiles de Árbol. Add water to cover and bring to a boil. Simmer until tomatoes are soft.
2. Transfer the mixture to a blender, add vinegar, cumin, oregano, and blend until smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Strain the sauce back into the saucepan, simmer for another 10 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Keep warm on low heat.

2. Assembling the Tortas

1. Slice the birote or bolillo rolls in half lengthwise.
2. If using, spread a layer of refried beans on one side of the bread.
3. Fill the sandwiches with shredded pork.
4. Submerge each sandwich entirely in the hot tomato sauce until well covered.

Cooking Process

This delightful dish can be prepared in just under an hour with all prep and cooking timer tracking carefully.

1. Cooking the Pork

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Season the pork generously with salt and pepper.
3. Place the pork in a roasting pan, cover, and roast until fully cooked and tender (around 1-1.5 hours). Rest before shredding.

2. Sauce Magic

1. While your meat roasts, follow sauce preparation steps above.
2. Allow sauce to develop flavor as it simmers slowly.

Serving and Enjoying

1. Plating

Arrange your drowned sandwich on a plate with a side of fresh avocado slices, lime wedges, and a sprinkle of cilantro.

2. How to Enjoy

Serve immediately to ensure the sandwich maintains a delightful balance of crispy and soaked textures. Best paired with a refreshing Mexican beverage, such as a agua fresca. Relish each bite of the harmonious, spicy flavors that are a hallmark of Mexican cuisine.