Authentic Tortas Ahogadas - Mexican Pork Sandwiches

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to make Authentic Tortas Ahogadas - Mexican Pork Sandwiches.

1. Step 1

   Start by preheating your oven to a sizzling 475°F (245°C). This high heat will help create a beautiful crust on the pork. In a mixing bowl, combine 16 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano, 2 teaspoons of salt, and 2 teaspoons of ground black pepper. This aromatic blend will be the perfect rub for your pork. Massage this mixture all over the 9 pounds of boneless pork butt, ensuring every inch is coated. Place the seasoned pork in a shallow roasting pan and pop it into the oven for 20 minutes. After that, reduce the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue roasting for about 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until the pork is tender and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Once done, cover the meat with aluminum foil and let it rest for 20 minutes before shredding or chopping it into bite-sized pieces. Don't forget to save those delicious pan drippings!

2. Step 2

   While the pork is roasting, prepare the chipotle sauce. Soak 4 dried chipotle chili peppers in hot water for about 3 minutes until they soften, then drain and set aside. In a skillet, heat 6 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium heat. Add 8 minced garlic cloves and 4 chopped onions, cooking until the onions are translucent and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in 20 chopped Roma tomatoes, 1 cup of water, the soaked chipotle peppers, 5 teaspoons of oregano, 1/4 teaspoon of white sugar, and salt to taste. Pour in the reserved pan drippings for extra flavor. Let this simmer uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the flavors meld together.

3. Step 3

   Once your sauce is ready, it's time to blend it into a smooth consistency. Carefully pour the sauce into a blender, filling it no more than halfway. Secure the lid with a kitchen towel and pulse a few times to get things moving before blending until smooth. If you prefer, you can use a stick blender right in the skillet. After blending, strain the sauce through a sieve to achieve a silky texture.

4. Step 4

   Now, let's assemble these mouthwatering tortas! Take each bolillo roll and hollow out the bottom half to create a little bowl. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the chipotle sauce into the bottom of each roll, then generously pile on the chopped pork. Top it off with a couple of slices of pickled jalapenos for that perfect kick. Place the top half of the roll back on, and for the grand finale, drizzle about 1/4 cup of additional chipotle sauce over the entire sandwich. Serve these beauties warm and watch them disappear!