Mexican tortas are a delightful sandwich packed with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. With a mix of fresh ingredients, bold seasonings, and savory meats, these sandwiches are perfect for any meal. Whether you’re craving a hearty lunch or a filling dinner, tortas deliver a taste of Mexico in every bite. This recipe is easy to follow and can be customized to suit your preferences, making it a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients
- 4 bolillo rolls or soft French rolls
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons refried beans
- 1 ripe avocado, sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 4 slices of cooked ham
- 4 slices of cooked turkey
- 8 slices of queso fresco or mozzarella cheese
- 1 jalapeño, sliced (optional)
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeños
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot sauce (optional)
- Butter for toasting the rolls
Steps
- Preparing the Rolls
- First, preheat a skillet over medium heat. Slice the bolillo rolls in half lengthwise and spread a thin layer of butter on each cut side. Place the rolls, buttered side down, on the skillet and toast them until golden brown and crispy. This step adds a delightful crunch to your tortas.
- Assembling the Tortas
- Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted roll. Next, spread a thin layer of refried beans over the mayonnaise. These two ingredients form a creamy and flavorful base for your torta.
- Adding the Meats and Cheese
- Layer a slice of ham and a slice of turkey on top of the refried beans. Follow this with two slices of queso fresco or mozzarella cheese. The combination of meats and cheese provides a hearty and savory element to the sandwich.
- Piling on the Vegetables
- Add a few slices of avocado, tomato, and red onion on top of the cheese. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the fresh vegetables. If you like some heat, add a few slices of fresh jalapeño.
- Finishing Touches
- Top the vegetables with shredded lettuce and pickled jalapeños. These ingredients add a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor to the torta. Finally, drizzle a bit of hot sauce over everything if you like your sandwiches spicy.
- Completing the Sandwich
- Place the top half of the roll over the fillings, pressing down gently to compact the sandwich. Your Mexican tortas are now ready to be enjoyed!
Tips For Variation
- Protein Options: Substitute the ham and turkey with grilled chicken, carnitas, or chorizo for a different protein profile.
- Cheese Varieties: Experiment with different cheeses like Oaxaca, cheddar, or pepper jack for varied flavors.
- Vegetarian Torta: Skip the meats and add extra veggies like bell peppers, cucumbers, and radishes for a vegetarian option.
- Sauce Alternatives: Use guacamole instead of avocado slices or spread a layer of chipotle mayo for added flavor.
- Bread Choices: Try using different types of rolls like ciabatta or whole grain for a unique twist.
- Pickle It Up: Add different pickled vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or onions for extra tang.
- Spice Levels: Adjust the heat by using more or less jalapeños, or try different chili peppers like serrano or habanero.
- Healthy Swaps: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a healthier spread option.
Macros
- Calories: 550 per torta
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 28g
FAQs
- What are Mexican tortas?
- Mexican tortas are a type of sandwich made with a variety of fillings such as meats, cheese, and vegetables, typically served on a bolillo roll or a similar type of bread.
- Can I make tortas ahead of time?
- While you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time, it’s best to assemble and toast the tortas right before serving to maintain the freshness and crunch of the bread.
- What can I serve with tortas?
- Tortas are often served with sides like Mexican street corn, tortilla chips with salsa or guacamole, and a refreshing drink like horchata or agua fresca.
- Are tortas spicy?
- Tortas can be as spicy as you like. Adding fresh or pickled jalapeños, hot sauce, or other chili peppers can increase the heat, or you can omit these ingredients for a milder sandwich.
- Can I use different types of bread for tortas?
- Yes, while bolillo rolls are traditional, you can use other types of bread like ciabatta, baguette, or whole grain rolls depending on your preference.
Delicious Mexican Tortas: A Flavor Explosion in Every Bite
Mexican tortas are a delightful sandwich packed with vibrant flavors and satisfying textures. With a mix of fresh ingredients, bold seasonings, and savory meats, these sandwiches are perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
- 4 bolillo rolls or soft French rolls
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons refried beans
- 1 ripe avocado sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato sliced
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 4 slices of cooked ham
- 4 slices of cooked turkey
- 8 slices of queso fresco or mozzarella cheese
- 1 jalapeño sliced (optional)
- ½ cup pickled jalapeños
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hot sauce optional
- Butter for toasting the rolls
Instructions
- First, preheat a skillet over medium heat. Slice the bolillo rolls in half lengthwise and spread a thin layer of butter on each cut side. Place the rolls, buttered side down, on the skillet and toast them until golden brown and crispy. This step adds a delightful crunch to your tortas.
- Spread a generous layer of mayonnaise on the bottom half of each toasted roll. Next, spread a thin layer of refried beans over the mayonnaise. These two ingredients form a creamy and flavorful base for your torta.
- Layer a slice of ham and a slice of turkey on top of the refried beans. Follow this with two slices of queso fresco or mozzarella cheese. The combination of meats and cheese provides a hearty and savory element to the sandwich.
- Add a few slices of avocado, tomato, and red onion on top of the cheese. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper to enhance the flavors of the fresh vegetables. If you like some heat, add a few slices of fresh jalapeño.
- Top the vegetables with shredded lettuce and pickled jalapeños. These ingredients add a refreshing crunch and tangy flavor to the torta. Finally, drizzle a bit of hot sauce over everything if you like your sandwiches spicy.
- Place the top half of the roll over the fillings, pressing down gently to compact the sandwich. Your Mexican tortas are now ready to be enjoyed!