Authentic Mexican Tortas

Ingredients

• 4 bolillo rolls (or telera rolls) 4 bolillo rolls (or telera rolls)
• 1 pound (450g) grilled beef, thinly sliced 1 pound (450g) grilled beef, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (240g) refried beans 1 cup (240g) refried beans
• 4 slices of melting cheese (such as Oaxaca or Monterey Jack) 4 slices of melting cheese (such as Oaxaca or Monterey Jack)
• 1 avocado, sliced 1 avocado, sliced
• 1 cup (150g) lettuce, shredded 1 cup (150g) lettuce, shredded
• 2 tomatoes, sliced 2 tomatoes, sliced
• 1/4 cup (60g) pickled jalapenos 1/4 cup (60g) pickled jalapenos
• 1/4 cup (60g) mayonnaise 1/4 cup (60g) mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) chipotle sauce 1 tablespoon (15ml) chipotle sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 520 kcal / 2176 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 25g, 7g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 5g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat a grill or stovetop griddle over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Slice the bolillo rolls in half lengthwise, without cutting all the way through.
3. 3.
   In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and chipotle sauce to make the chipotle mayo spread. Set aside.
4. 4.
   Spread a generous amount of refried beans on the bottom half of each roll.
5. 5.
   Layer the grilled beef, cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomatoes, and pickled jalapenos on top of the beans.
6. 6.
   Spread the chipotle mayo on the top half of each roll.
7. 7.
   Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. 8.
   Place the Tortas on the preheated grill or griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.
9. 9.
   Remove from heat and serve hot.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Avocado — Choose ripe avocados that are slightly soft when gently squeezed. To prevent browning, drizzle the sliced avocado with lemon or lime juice.
• Bolillo rolls — If you can't find bolillo rolls, you can use French bread or ciabatta as a substitute.
• Chipotle sauce — Adjust the amount of chipotle sauce according to your desired level of spiciness. Add more for a bolder flavor or reduce for a milder taste.
• Grilled beef — Marinate the beef in your favorite Mexican-inspired spices before grilling to enhance the flavor.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, replace the grilled beef with grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and onions.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as queso fresco or cheddar, to add your own twist to the Tortas.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add sliced fresh jalapenos or a few dashes of hot sauce to the filling.
• To make the Tortas ahead of time, assemble the sandwiches but wait to grill them until just before serving to maintain the bread's crispness.
• Serve the Tortas with a side of Mexican rice or a refreshing salad for a complete meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Tortas hot, straight off the grill, for the best flavor and texture. Cut them in half diagonally and serve with extra pickled jalapenos, salsa, or guacamole on the side for dipping.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, wrap the Tortas in parchment paper or foil and tie them with a colorful string or ribbon. This not only adds a festive touch but also makes them easier to handle and enjoy.