Drowned Tortas
Tortas Ahogadas
Recipe Yield
8 to 10 Servings
Cooking time
45 minutes
Rate this recipe
Ingredients
To make the tomato salsa:
- 1 1/2 pounds ripe Roma tomatoes coarsely chopped
- 1 garlic clove
- 1/4 cup chopped white onion
- 1/2 teaspoon dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 whole cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cups chicken broth or water more or less to taste
To make the spicy salsa:
- 5 to 8 chiles de arbol stemmed, more or less to taste
- 1 pound ripe Roma tomatoes
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped white onion
- 2 tablespoons white distilled vinegar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher or sea salt or to taste
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
To assemble:
- 3 pounds Brown Sugar Carnitas
- 8 to 10 birotes or crusty baguettes cut into individual portions
To Prepare
To make the tomato salsa:
- Place all the tomatoes, garlic, onion, marjoram, oregano, cloves, salt, and pepper into the jar of a blender and puree until completely smooth.
- Heat the oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once very hot, but not smoking, pour in the tomato sauce. Cover partially with a lid and cook for 5 minutes, until the sauce thickens and seasons. Add the chicken broth, stir, and cook a couple minutes more. Turn off the heat and set aside.
To make the spicy salsa:
- Heat a comal or skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chiles de arbol, and toast for about 1 minute, flipping them around as they do. Remove and set aside.
- Place the tomatoes and garlic in a saucepan, cover with water, and place over medium-high heat. Simmer for about 10 minutes, until the tomatoes are cooked and mushy. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the tomatoes and garlic to the jar of a blender, along with a cup of their cooking liquid, the toasted chiles de arbol (you can add gradually if you choose), onion, vinegar, cumin and salt. Puree until completely smooth. Taste for vinegar, salt and heat, and adjust accordingly.
- Heat the oil in saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the pureed sauce, partially cover, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until thickened, darkened and seasoned.
To assemble the tortas ahogadas:
- Have the warm carnitas shredded, the bread lightly toasted and the salsas heated.Slice the birotes to create a pocket for the filling, without cutting all the way through. One at a time, with the opening towards the ceiling, tuck in copious amounts of carnitas. Cut in half, place in a soup bowl or deep plate that can withhold sauces. Pour the tomato sauce on top first, and then ladle on as much spicy sauce as each guest desires.
Comments
68comments inDrowned Tortas
Taryn Hall
Sep 19
Could you please tell me what episode you make this, I would like to re-watch before I give it a go.
Pati Jinich
Sep 28
Of course, it is Episode 2 of Season 7: Tijuana Stories from the Border
Jett
Jun 01
Oh my God, Pati, this has got to be one of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had! Not only was the brown sugar carnitas some of the best pulled pork I’ve ever made, but the whole time I was eating this sandwich I was just laughing in awe. I was worried about covering up the great flavor of the brown sugar carnitas with the sauces, but it was such a great combo. I’m so full right now, but I want to go make another sandwich! Thanks!
Pati Jinich
Jun 02
This is one of the best reviews this recipes has gotten ever Jett, thanks so much!
Mike
Oct 27
Hola Pati!
Where I live in New York the good tomatoes are (going) out of season. How can I substitute canned tomatoes for fresh in your recipes that call for fresh tomatoes. I just found your show and I LOVE it. I can’t wait to try my hand at all of the recipes.
Pati Jinich
Oct 28
Canned tomatoes are perfect for this recipe Mike, just buy the whole ones and use the same number or 1 and 1/2 times if they are on the small side 😉
Mike
Oct 31
Thanks! It worked excellently. I’ve basically been eating that spicy salsa with everything I can put it on and even straight off the spoon. It’s so good.
Jiulio Balzano
Oct 15
The first hot meal I made when the power came back on after Hurricane Ian was the Brown sugar carnitas withe these salsa. My daughter who does not eat much had 2 helpings. It was absolutely delicious. Thank you so much for offering this wonderful recipe.
Pati Jinich
Oct 26
So happy to read you guys enjoyed this recipe Jiulio, gracias!
Woody
Oct 13
I dont see the meat recipe in this anywhere. Am i missing something? I just watched this on tv and the meat was in a milk .where is that recipe??
Pati Jinich
Oct 26
Hi Woody! Tortas Ahogadas are filled with Brown Sugar Carnitas, here is the recipe for you 😉 http://patijinich.com/brown-sugar-carnitas/
jackiej
May 08
hola! i haven’t tried this yet, but want to get as much info as possible before i try it, as my next door neighbor makes(and shares!) his homemade carnitas when he has a summer party. i’d love to surprise the party with homemade bread and the sauces to share with his family. thank you so much for setting this website with a comment section, it’s a perfect troubleshooter. i have a really good hearty baguette recipe, but i’m wondering how it would be with your recipe for bolillos? and one of the comments said one of the sauces was too strong with clove; could it be the whole clove didn’t get blended enough and they got a big chip of it? what are your thoughts on using ground cloves instead? i want to make the best possible sauce for the best next door neighbor ever!
Pati Jinich
May 15
Hola Jackie, so happy you are planning to make the Tortas Ahogadas, my favorite. You can reduce a bit the amount of clove and of course ground works well. As for the bread, my bolillos may be a bit soft for this recipe that calls for crusty, harder bread that do not disintegrates with the sauces. A crusty baguette or hard artisanal rolls work well. Good luck!
Randy Foy
Dec 07
Watched the show with this recipe today. I had leftover carnitas and homemade adobo sauce in freezer. Had some bodillo rolls so, opened a can of beans and slapped this sandwich together for lunch.
Delicious.
Pati Jinich
Dec 27
Good job, glad you enjoyed it Randy!
Justino
Dec 06
I’ll try this perfect recipe on the weekend.👌
Pati Jinich
Dec 28
How did you like the tortas Justino_
Elizabeth jaros. Ejbasket@gmail.com.
Sep 19
I need the recipe for the salad dressing for cucumbers and avocado made with Mexican sour cream and yogart
Please
Pati Jinich
Oct 04
Of course Elizabeth, here is the full recipe for you: http://patijinich.com/avocado-and-cucumber-salad/ For the dressing just in a small bowl, whisk together the crema, yogurt, lime juice and zest, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, and salt. Enjoy!
Junior
Apr 13
Cuando vas para Jalisco!? 😁😁
Pati Jinich
Apr 25
Pronto! Estoy muy contenta 🙂
Jer
Nov 28
I made the 2 sauces for tortas ahogadas. I needed to cook the sauces much longer so the spices and flavors would meld. Had to add dairy to the first sauce…too much clover.
Love your show, just needed to comment on this.
Pati Jinich
Dec 28
Thanks for the input Jer 🙂
Rebecca A Ellertson
Feb 28
Miles de gracias, a ti, Pati. Como disfruto tu programa. Esta receta es muy bienvenida. !Ojalá que estes bien y estes gozando de una buena salud!
Cariños,
Rebecca
Pati Jinich
Mar 07
Mil gracias Rebecca, ojala te guste estas tortas! Saludos y un abrazo 🙂
Renee
Sep 26
Just watched your show for the first time— just FABULOUS—
Pati Jinich
Sep 28
Thanks so much Renee, so glad you found me. The New Season Premieres this Saturday October 3, so perfect timing 😉
Mike
May 31
I just made this recipe today. Delicious! The carnitas were how i broke in my new Staub Dutch oven. The contrast between the sweet, fatty, meaty carnitas, the crunchy bread and the spicy and tomatoey sauces- superb! I would gladly make again when i can have a party after quarantine.
I love your show, Pati. You seem like such a kind, genuine person and all of your food looks delicious. I look forward to trying more of your recipes. Salud!
Pati Jinich
Jun 01
Thanks so much Mike, glad to hear you enjoyed these tortas. Stay tuned because the new season will start airing this Fall 😉
diana
May 25
Hola Pati! soy Diana de San Diego. en estos tiempos, acabo de descubrir tu show en Twitch, en el canal llamado Hungry. muchos de nosotros te queremos mucho y cuando empiezan tus episodios nos ponemos muy felices. we love your skills and your personality!
hace unos dias, me toco ver el episodio de Tijuana! <3 yo nunca habia aprendido de carnitas hechas en leche. me quedé fascinada, porque mi familia (mis abuelos eran de Jalisco y Durango) jamás mencionaron algo sobre este estilo de carnitas. me encanta hacer carnitas en la casa, y ahora, no puedo esperar hasta que me toque prepararlas de esta manera.
nunca me ha gustado el pan empapado, pero las tortas ahogadas se ven tan ricas, y las haces ver tan fáciles y exquisitas, que me atrevo a intentarlas. yo se que a mi viejo le van a encantar.
nomas queria mandar saludos y mucho amor! gracias por enseñarnos a todos sobre la comida de nuestra gente! we love you! <3
Pati Jinich
May 28
Muchisimas gracias Diana por tomarte el tiempo para escribir este mensaje tan lindo, te lo agradezo muchisimo! La cosa con las tortas ahogadas es que el birote tiene una costra dura que no se moja rapidamente con las salsas asi que te puedes comer la torta sin que el pan se ponga aguado. Muchas gracias de nuevo!
Grant
May 17
Can something be substituted for orange juice and lime in the carnitas? My wife is allergic to citrus.
Pati Jinich
May 20
Of course Grant, here is another one of my Carnitas recipes, this one has no citrus at all, enjoy! http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/brown-sugar-carnitas/
John
May 15
Great carnitas !!! I made my salsa with beer instead of the water and not so much vinegar!!!
Hit the spot just like Monterrey !!!
Pati Jinich
May 16
Great idea John! Thanks for sharing 😉
Emily
May 04
I was able to pick up Chile de Arbol Molido. How much should I use in this recipe ? Thank you.
Pati Jinich
May 04
Hi Emily, chile de arbol can be very spicy, so start with half a teaspoon, taste and add a bit more if needed 😉
Michele
Jul 21
I loved watching your show! I live in the Southeast, but recently visited San Diego in May, and just love the authentic Mexican cuisine. Since I mainly cook for one, can you tell me if the sauces will keep well in the fridge and for how long?
Pati Jinich
Aug 09
It will be good for at least two weeks in a sealed container in the fridge, Michele.
KStarr
Jul 11
Pati,
I just love your recipes, and Mexican cuisine is my absolute favorite having lived most of my life in the southwest. BUT….. I was recently diagnosed with “fructose malabsorbtion” which means I have to follow what is called a FODMOP diet – this means no onions or garlic! And I have multiple other allergies. I have been starving now for months. But having seen you cook this on TV, I got inspired.
I tried this recipe with some major modifications, but it worked, and was deeeeelicious. So for any of your fans who face the food allergy challenges like I do, perhaps this might inspire them as well. Hhere is what I did.
–I combined the two sauces into one modified version.
–I started with the tomato salsa – but eliminated the garlic, onion and cloves.
–I added one jalapeno (stemmed and seed) chopped
–I used lime juice instead of vinegar
–I added the cumin (I like to grind whole cumin)
–I added a garlic infused oil to a pan, and sautéed 1 tsp of asafoetida spice
–I then added the salsa to the hot pan
–I did not add the chicken broth (store bought includes onions and garlic, can’t have that)
–I cooked for about 10 minutes, and it was great.
It’s not quite the two sauce recipe you present, but for we with severe allergies, this was sheer heaven.
Thanks so much.
Pati Jinich
Jul 12
I’m beyond happy to hear that you could adapt the recipe for your needs and loved it, K!
Jeanene
Sep 21
KStarr that is amazing that you did that! I am so glad that you can enjoy Pati’s great recipes and be creative enough to figure out the changes that are as close to Pati’s as possible. Way to go!! Wishing all the best in your health and healing!
Vicky
Jul 10
This looked so delicious! Trying it this weekend!
Pati Jinich
Jul 10
Have great weekend, Vicky!
Arleen
Jun 12
Your tortas were amazing. But when you cook you make it look so easy. Thank you for the recipe.
Pati Jinich
Jun 17
Thank you, Arleen!
Stefaney
Jun 12
Tortas ahogadas are one of my husbands favorite foods And I love that I am able to spoil him with these! This recipe turned out great and everyone loved them.
My husband is a first generation Mexican immigrant so discovering your show and website has been amazing for our family. I am now able to confidently cook some of his favorite foods from childhood which also gives us more opportunities to immerse our children in that part of their heritage.
Thank you so much for everything you do.
Pati Jinich
Jun 23
I’m beyond happy to hear this, Stefaney. I hope you guys love lots more recipes and enjoy exploring your heritage through food.
Stephanie
May 22
I can only find the dry Arbol Chiles. Is that ok to use?
Pati Jinich
May 23
Oh yes! They are a dried chile: http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/chile_de_arbol/
Tim
May 20
Looks Awesome!!! I’m gonna try it.
Pati Jinich
May 21
Yay!
Anonymous
Feb 02
Hola hermosa Pati, hoy he mirado tu programa en el restaurante Tio Pepe y como preparaste las carnitas ademas del todo el proceso para las tortas ahogadas.. Me he inscrito en tu página para aprender y satisfacer a mi familia.. Pero no he encontrado como preparaste la carne.. Me ayudas con esa parte? Gracias mi admiración y respeto para ti.. Felicidades por todo tu trabajo. DTB
Pati
Feb 08
Mil gracias! Aquí: http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/es/recipe/carnitas-caramelizadas/
Rebecca Barrera
Oct 21
I am wondering if you think this could be done with smoked turkey for Thanksgiving?
Pati
Oct 23
Should be super yum, Rebecca!
Sandra
Oct 16
TENGO POCO DE VER TU SHOW. I AM IN LOVE WITH ALL THE RECIPES.
Pati
Oct 17
Mil gracias, Sandra!
Yenna Bailey
Oct 16
Hi Ms. Pati! What type of brad are you using for this? It looks wonderful and crusty!
Pati
Oct 16
You can use a birotes or crusty baguettes…whichever you are able to find. Enjoy the torta, Yenna!
Kalynn
Oct 14
This just may be my favorite sandwich. We tried it with carnitas-style chicken thighs. YUM.
Pati
Oct 15
Such a great sandwich…so glad you like it Kalynn.
Cindy D.
Oct 14
Made these tonight and they are amazing!! You are the best Pati!
Pati
Oct 15
Thank you Cindy!
Alia
Sep 30
I cannot eat dairy. Do you have a substitute which would still carameliza and tenderize the pork? Is it the lactic acid and the milk sugars which accomplish this?
Help, please.
Pati
Oct 08
Oh no problem, Alia. You can make the sandwich with these carnitas (and just leave out the sweetened condensed milk): http://patijinich.com/pati_2020/recipe/carnitas/
Santiago
Sep 25
This makes me think of home. ¡Gracias, Pati!
Pati
Oct 01
Oh I hope it brings back such great memories of home, Santiago.