Tortas Ahogadas Recipe

Cooking Directions

• STEP 1.Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• STEP 2.Slice the birote bread rolls in half lengthwise.
• STEP 3.Spread a layer of refried beans on the bottom half of each roll.
• STEP 4.Place a generous amount of pork carnitas on top of the beans.
• STEP 5.Top with pickled onions and jalapenos, if desired.
• STEP 6.Place the top half of the roll on the sandwich.
• STEP 7.Wrap each sandwich tightly in aluminum foil.
• STEP 8.Bake in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until heated through.
• STEP 9.Meanwhile, prepare the spicy tomato sauce by combining tomato sauce, water, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and salt in a saucepan.
• STEP 10.Simmer the sauce over low heat for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• STEP 11.Remove the sandwiches from the oven and carefully unwrap them.
• STEP 12.Place each sandwich in a shallow bowl or plate.
• STEP 13.Pour a generous amount of the spicy tomato sauce over each sandwich, allowing it to soak into the bread.
• STEP 14.Serve immediately and enjoy!

Cooking Tips

• For extra flavor, you can marinate the pork carnitas in a mixture of orange juice, lime juice, garlic, and spices overnight before cooking.
• If you can't find birote bread, you can use a crusty French roll or baguette as a substitute.
• Adjust the spiciness of the tomato sauce by adding more or less chili powder, depending on your preference.
• You can garnish the sandwiches with fresh cilantro and lime wedges for added freshness.
• Serve the Tortas Ahogadas with a side of Mexican rice and beans for a complete meal.

Storage and Serving

• Tortas Ahogadas are best enjoyed immediately after preparation.
• If you have leftovers, store the bread, meat, and sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
• To reheat, warm the bread and meat in the oven and heat the sauce on the stovetop.
• Assemble the sandwich and pour the hot sauce over it just before serving.
• Garnish with fresh toppings and serve with your favorite Mexican sides.