Spicy Torta Ahogada Sandwich

Guadalajara's famous drowned sandwich packed with bold flavor

Originating in Guadalajara, the torta ahogada is a legendary Mexican sandwich layered with savory carnitas and smothered in a fiery chile sauce. The crusty bread holds up remarkably well to the rich broth, offering bold texture and heat in every bite. It is an ideal weekend meal for anyone who loves intense regional Mexican flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 crusty bolillo rolls or baguettes
• 1 lb warm carnitas, shredded
• 1 cup refried beans, warmed
• 6 Roma tomatoes, halved
• 15 dried chiles de árbol, stemmed
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp dried Mexican oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp white vinegar
• 1/2 cup pickled red onions
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Instructions

1. Boil tomatoes, chiles de árbol, and garlic in water for 10 minutes until soft.
2. Blend boiled ingredients with broth, vinegar, oregano, cumin, and salt until completely smooth.
3. Strain sauce into a saucepan and simmer over medium heat for 5 minutes.
4. Slice crusty rolls horizontally, leaving one side hinged like a pocket.
5. Spread refried beans generously inside each roll.
6. Stuff rolls heavily with warm, juicy shredded carnitas.
7. Place sandwiches in shallow bowls and ladle hot spicy sauce completely over them.
8. Top with pickled red onions and serve immediately with fresh lime wedges.

Nutrition

This recipe works out to about 593 calories per serving. For the full breakdown, protein, carbs, and fat included, save it in the Forkful app: nutrition is calculated automatically from the ingredient list.

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