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A classic street food from Guadalajara! A crusty bolillo roll is stuffed with tender carnitas, then completely drenched in a warm tomato sauce and topped with a fiery chile de árbol salsa. It's messy, delicious, and unforgettable.
For 4 servings
Prepare the Carnitas (Pork Filling)
Make the Mild Tomato Sauce
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A classic street food from Guadalajara! A crusty bolillo roll is stuffed with tender carnitas, then completely drenched in a warm tomato sauce and topped with a fiery chile de árbol salsa. It's messy, delicious, and unforgettable.
This mexican recipe takes 115 minutes to prepare and yields 4 servings. At 709.76 calories per serving with 31.26g of protein, it's a moderately challenging recipe perfect for lunch or dinner.
Prepare the Spicy Chile de Árbol Salsa
Assemble the Tortas Ahogadas
Instead of carnitas, you can use shredded chicken (tinga de pollo), shredded beef (barbacoa), or even fried fish.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with shredded jackfruit or a mix of sautéed mushrooms and onions. Use vegetable broth in the tomato sauce.
Add one or two chipotles in adobo sauce to the tomato sauce blender for a smoky kick.
The pork shoulder provides a significant amount of high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle building, tissue repair, and overall body function.
Cooked tomatoes are an excellent source of lycopene, a powerful antioxidant linked to a reduced risk of certain chronic diseases and protection against cell damage.
The capsaicin in the chiles de árbol can provide a temporary boost to your metabolism and may aid in fat burning.
Torta Ahogada, which means 'drowned sandwich,' is a traditional dish from Guadalajara, Mexico. It consists of a pork sandwich on a crusty bolillo roll that is submerged in a mild tomato-based sauce and topped with a spicy chile de árbol salsa.
The bread must be very crusty and dense on the outside with a soft interior. This structure prevents it from turning into mush immediately after being 'drowned' in the sauce, allowing it to absorb the flavor while maintaining some texture.
A single Torta Ahogada contains approximately 550-650 calories. The exact number can vary based on the size of the roll, the amount of pork, and the use of lard or oil.
Torta Ahogada is generally considered an indulgent comfort food rather than a health food. It can be high in sodium and saturated fat, particularly from the carnitas. However, it is also a good source of protein from the pork and provides antioxidants like lycopene from the cooked tomatoes.
Absolutely. The heat comes entirely from the chile de árbol salsa. You can reduce the number of chiles used, remove their seeds before toasting, or simply use less of the salsa when serving.
Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep. The carnitas, tomato sauce, and spicy salsa can all be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Reheat them gently before assembling the tortas.