Pork Torta Ahogada with Spicy Tomato Sauce
Experience the vibrant flavors of Mexico with this Pork Torta Ahogada, a stunning spicy pork sandwich that is perfect for lunch or snacks. This desert-inspired dish combines tender, marinated pork tenderloin with two rich sauces: a mildly spicy arbol chile sauce and a sweet tomato sauce, all enveloped in a crusty roll. Finished with zesty lime juice, this sandwich not only tantalizes your taste buds but also provides a filling and satisfying meal for any occasion. Serve it with pickled onions and a side of your favorite chips for the ultimate experience!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Dried arbol chiles
15 (stems removed)
Red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons (divided)
Garlic cloves
2 (1 minced, 1 whole peeled)
Salt
to taste
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste
Sugar
1 teaspoon
Italian tomatoes
12 (blanched and peeled)
Pork tenderloin
1 pound (450 g)
Smoked paprika
1 tablespoon
Sweet paprika
1 tablespoon
Cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon
Canola oil
2 tablespoons
Red onion
1 (thinly sliced)
Crusty rolls or baguette
4 (cut into 4 pieces if baguette)
Lime juice
to taste (squeezed)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Pork Torta Ahogada?
A Pork Torta Ahogada is a traditional Mexican-inspired 'drowned' sandwich featuring marinated pork on a crusty roll, typically submerged in or covered with a spicy sauce.
What kind of meat is used in this recipe?
This recipe specifically uses one pound (450 g) of pork tenderloin.
How many types of sauces are featured in this dish?
The dish features two distinct sauces: a mildly spicy arbol chile sauce and a sweet tomato sauce.
What makes the tomato sauce sweet?
The tomato sauce is sweetened using one teaspoon of sugar.
How should the dried arbol chiles be prepared?
The stems should be removed from the 15 dried arbol chiles before they are used in the sauce.
Is this Pork Torta Ahogada spicy?
Yes, the recipe uses arbol chiles, cayenne pepper, and smoked paprika, which provide a vibrant and spicy flavor profile.
What type of bread is recommended?
You should use 4 crusty rolls or a baguette cut into four pieces.
Which tomatoes are best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 Italian tomatoes that have been blanched and peeled.
How much garlic is required?
You will need two garlic cloves: one minced and one whole peeled.
What type of oil should I use for cooking?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of canola oil.
What spices are used to marinate the pork?
The pork is seasoned with smoked paprika, sweet paprika, and cayenne pepper.
What garnishes are suggested for the sandwich?
The sandwich is finished with zesty lime juice and can be served with pickled onions.
Can I use regular paprika instead of smoked?
While you could, the recipe specifically calls for smoked paprika to add a rich, deep flavor to the pork.
Does this recipe contain vinegar?
Yes, it uses 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, divided for use in the preparation.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredients, it typically serves 4 people using 4 rolls or a baguette.
Is this dish suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is described as a filling and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or snacks.
How are the tomatoes prepared before making the sauce?
The 12 Italian tomatoes should be blanched and peeled.
What provides the primary heat in the spicy sauce?
The primary heat comes from 15 dried arbol chiles.
How should the red onion be prepared?
One red onion should be thinly sliced for the sandwich.
Is this considered Mexican cuisine?
Yes, it is a dish inspired by the vibrant flavors of Mexico.
Can I substitute the pork tenderloin?
While pork tenderloin is specified for its tenderness, you could use other proteins, though the flavor profile is optimized for pork.
What role does lime juice play in the recipe?
Lime juice is squeezed over the sandwich to provide a zesty balance to the spicy and sweet sauces.
Why is it called 'Ahogada'?
'Ahogada' means 'drowned' in Spanish, referring to the way the sandwich is soaked in spicy tomato sauce.
What are some recommended side dishes?
It is recommended to serve the torta with your favorite chips.
Is there any salt and pepper in this recipe?
Yes, salt and freshly ground black pepper are added to taste.
Should I use fresh or dried chiles?
The recipe specifically calls for dried arbol chiles for the traditional flavor.
What is the exact weight of pork needed?
You need 1 pound or approximately 450 grams of pork tenderloin.
What kind of vinegar is required?
The recipe specifically uses red wine vinegar.
Is this a comfort food dish?
Yes, it is tagged as comfort food due to its filling and rich nature.
What is the first step for the arbol chiles?
The first step is to remove the stems from the 15 dried arbol chiles.