🇲🇽 Mexican Cuisine · Street Food

Torta Ahogada

Prep

15 mins

Cook

15 mins

Serves

2

Difficulty

Medium

A birote bread roll stuffed with carnitas and drowned in a fiery tomato and arbol chili sauce from Guadalajara.

Ingredients

  • 400g pork shoulder
  • 2 cups corn tortillas
  • 2 tsp finely chopped white onion
  • a pinch of chili powder
  • 3 tbsp neutral vegetable oil
  • 2 jalapeños, chopped
  • a handful of fresh cilantro, chopped
  • a drizzle of crumbled cotija cheese
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 200g ripe tomatoes

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the white rice base and set it aside to rest while you get the filling ready.

  2. 2

    In a bowl, combine the cured chorizo, red bell peppers, finely chopped white onion, and dried oregano, mixing well so everything is evenly seasoned.

  3. 3

    Heat neutral vegetable oil in a skillet, wok, or on a griddle over medium-high heat until shimmering.

  4. 4

    Cook the white rice until lightly golden on each side, then transfer to a warm plate.

  5. 5

    Fry, grill, or steam the cured chorizo mixture until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges, about 15 mins.

  6. 6

    Assemble by layering the white rice with the filling, a spoonful of pickled red onions, and a scattering of oregano.

  7. 7

    Add a final touch of toasted pumpkin seeds for extra flavor and texture.

  8. 8

    Serve immediately while hot, with extra pickled red onions on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Tips

Serve immediately for the best contrast between a crisp exterior and a warm, tender filling.

Prep all your fillings and toppings before you start cooking, since this dish comes together quickly once the heat is on.