Achiote Pork Torta Sandwiches Recipes

ACHIOTE PORK TORTA - (SANDWICHES)

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, vinegar, juices, salt, and cumin. Pulse until well combined. Crumble in the achiote and pulse to combine into a very soft paste; add more vinegar by the tablespoon to loosen it up if necessary. Blend in the cilantro.
• Cut the meat into lenghtwise slices 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Lay the meat between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of 1/4 inch. Coat the slices generously with the paste and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and no more than 12 hours.
• Half an hour before cooking, clrean the grill thoroughly with a brush and wipe it down with an oil-dampened rag. Preheat the grill on high.
• Remove the meat from the marinade and shake off as much of the paste as possible. Place the meat on the grill, close the lid, and grill for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, checking often to make sure the meat doesn't burn or cook too quickly; if it does, move it to a cooler part of the grill. The meat is done perfectly when it has an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Do not overcook or the meat will dry out. (I used my George Foreman grill and just made sure to wipe it with a paper towel between batches) Set the meat aside, loosely covered with foil.
• To serve, split the rolls and toast on the grill, then layer from the bottom up: cheese, meat, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, onion, jalapenos, and salsa. Skewer with a couple of toothpicks and cut in half.

BRAISED PORK SANDWICH WITH SPICY TOMATO BROTH (TORTAS AHOGADAS)

Steps:

• In a large, heavy skillet, heat the vegetable shortening over medium-high heat. Sprinkle the pork all over with salt and pepper. Sear the meat on all sides until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side.
• Carefully add 3 cups water, the garlic, peppercorns, bay leaf and onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer until the meat is tender, about 25 minutes. Uncover and continue to cook until the liquid completely evaporates and the pork meat is browned, about 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, warm the refried beans in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat.
• Transfer the meat to a cutting board. Discard the garlic, peppercorns, bay leaf and onion. Thinly slice the pieces of pork.
• Cut each bolillo in half lengthwise, spread 2 tablespoons of refried beans on each bottom half and top with 1/4 cup pork. Put the other bolillo half on top. Serve in shallow bowls and drench each torta with the warm Spicy Tomato Broth.
• Combine the tomatoes, garlic, onions, oregano and chile in a blender and process until smooth.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a medium, heavy saucepan over medium-high heat. Transfer the tomato mixture to medium, heavy saucepan and add the chicken broth. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until bright red, about 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

MEXICAN-STYLE PORK TACOS (TACOS AL PASTOR) RECIPE BY TASTY

Steps:

• Slice the pork shoulder into about 1-centimeter (¼ in) slices, then transfer to a large dish or bowl. In a medium bowl, combine the achiote paste, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, vinegar, and pineapple juice, mashing and stirring until smooth with no lumps. Pour the marinade over the pork slices, then toss to make sure they are coated on all sides. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 3 days.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
• Place a slice or two of the pineapple on the baking sheet. Take a wooden skewer and push it directly in the middle of the pineapple. Remove the pork from the fridge and push the slices through the skewer, layering one after the other until there is a 1-inch (2 ½ cm) gap at the top. Push another pineapple slice on top.
• Bake for about 1½ hours, until the pork is slightly charred on the outside and deep red. Rest the meat for about 10 minutes, then carve off thin slices of pork and roasted pineapple.
• To assemble, place some pork on the tortillas, followed by a few pieces of pineapple, a sprinkling of onion, a pinch of cilantro, and a spoonful of salsa, and some diced avocado. Serve with lime wedges.
• Enjoy!

DROWNED BEEF SANDWICH WITH CHIPOTLE SAUCE (TORTA AHOGADA)

Steps:

• Combine chipotle cooking sauce, beef broth, and 1/4 cup chopped cilantro in a saucepan; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, for 10 minutes.
• Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat; saute onion until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir garlic into onion and cook for 1 minute. Add roast beef and 1/4 cup chipotle sauce mixture and cook, stirring constantly, until heated through, about 2 minutes.
• Ladle remaining chipotle sauce mixture into 4 bowls for dipping. Spoon roast beef mixture onto the bottom half of each bun, top with a cilantro sprig, and place the top on each bun. Dip sandwiches into sauce.