Today I have a sandwich recipe for you for Cinco de Mayo. I had never tried a Torta Ahogada sandwich before but according to a great new sandwich cookbook, 400 Best Sandwich Recipes, “this popular sandwich from Mexico (usually in Guadalajar) is also called “Drowned Beef.” It is submerged partially or totally in a spicy sauce. This is a less spicy version made with tomato sauce, but it has a fabulous kick.” I can see why it’s such a popular sandwich. It really kicks a roast beef sandwich up a notch.
I was so happy to receive a copy of this new cookbook to review. My sweet friend, Alison Lewis, who I met while we were contestents in the I Can’t Believe It’s Not Butter Bakeoff last November is the author. This is Alison’s first cookbook but she’s been working in the food industry for a long while. She blogs at Ingredients, Inc. where she creates healthy, family-friendly recipes that are easy to prepare.
The cookbook is arranged by type of sandwich. So it’s really convenient to locate a recipe for the type of sandwich you’re craving. It has a breakfast sandwich section, a burgers, a wraps, a light and healthy sandwich section and more. One of my favorite sections is the condiments sections. A great condiment can make an okay sandwich great. I’m especially looking forward to trying the Chipotle Aioli next time I make a burger.
The Torta Ahogada recipe uses deli roast beef so this delicious, spicy sandwich comes together quickly. It’s a Sloppy Joe kind of messy sandwich, so make sure you have some napkins handy!
Torta Ahogada (Drowned Beef Sandwich)
Ingredients
- 1 10 oz can chopped tomatoes with green chiles Rotel
- 1 15 oz. can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup thinly slice onion I diced mine
- 1 teaspoon jalapeno seeded and diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 4 Bolillo rolls or crusty rolls split and toasted (I forgot to toast the rolls)
- 1 lb. deli roast beef cut into strips (I warmed the beef)
- 1 cup refried beans warmed, optional (I omitted)
- 2 avocados thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine tomatoes, tomato sauce and chipotles. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.
- In a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Saute onion, garlic and jalapeno for 5 minutes or until tender. Add onion mixture to tomato sauce mixture, stirring well, and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in cilantro.
- Place rolls on a work surface. Arrange roast beef equally on bottom halves of rolls. Top with beans, if using, tomato sauce and avocado slices. Cover with top halves of rolls. Serve immediately.
Notes
There have been lots of great Cinco de Mayo recipes posted this week. Here are a few I’m hoping to try:
Strawberry Mango Salsa, Two Peas and Their Pod
Grilled Churros with Nutella Sauce, Panini Happy
Avocado, Tomato & Cotija Cheese Salad Recipe, Cookin’ Canuck
And some of my favorites:
Stacked Green Chile and Chicken Enchiladas, Barbara Bakes
Carne Asada Tacos, Barbara Bakes
Cinnamon Tortilla Chips, Sophistimom
Leslie M
To get the true “ahogada” experience, you really have to soak the sandwich in the sauce, not just put it on the inside. 🙂 Messy, but delicious.
Barbara Schieving
More sauce sounds like a great idea.
Abby
I can’t wait to try this one out!! I really like beans but think I will omit them too. I bet my husband likes this recipe 🙂
Elle
Oh my gosh, I love this sandwich! I’m definitely going to have to pick up a copy of the book-it’s so easy to get stuck in rut!
Jodie
These look fabulous! I bet my husband would love them!
marla
I have never had a sandwich like this either, but I must try it. Love Alison & this book!
Rocky Mountain Woman
There is a little hole in the wall restaurant in my neck of the woods run by an amazing cook who makes the best tortas….
I’ll have to try this one…
Mimi
Yum! Tortas are very popular in my neck of the woods.
Mimi
Sue
Sounds so yummy, and a meal in itself. I love a good, hearty sandwich!
Blond Duck
I love tortas!
Miriam Barton
The sandwich looks beautiful :), Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters
Megan
This sounds like one mean sandwich indeed. 🙂
I hope your Mother’s Day was good my friend!