Tortas Locas with a New York Twist

Ingredients

In this adaptation, the traditional Mexican Tortas Locas are given a New York City twist by incorporating ingredients commonly found in the local cuisine. The addition of provolone cheese, sautéed onions, and crispy bacon adds a distinct New York flavor profile to the dish. The chipotle mayo provides a smoky and spicy kick, reminiscent of the city's diverse culinary scene. We alse have the original recipe for Tortas locas, so you can check it out.

• 4 crusty rolls (bolillo or ciabatta) 4 crusty rolls (bolillo or ciabatta)
• 500g (1.1 lb) grilled steak, thinly sliced 500g (1.1 lb) grilled steak, thinly sliced
• 4 slices provolone cheese 4 slices provolone cheese
• 1 large onion, thinly sliced 1 large onion, thinly sliced
• 8 slices crispy bacon 8 slices crispy bacon
• 1 avocado, sliced 1 avocado, sliced
• 4 tablespoons chipotle mayo 4 tablespoons chipotle mayo
• Pickled jalapeños, to taste Pickled jalapeños, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 32g, 12g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 30g, 4g
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 5g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. 2.
   Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness. Let it rest for a few minutes, then thinly slice it.
3. 3.
   In a separate pan, sauté the sliced onions until caramelized and golden brown.
4. 4.
   Slice the crusty rolls in half and lightly toast them.
5. 5.
   Spread chipotle mayo on both sides of the rolls.
6. 6.
   Layer the sliced steak, provolone cheese, sautéed onions, crispy bacon, avocado slices, and pickled jalapeños on the bottom half of each roll.
7. 7.
   Close the sandwiches and press them gently.
8. 8.
   Serve the Big Apple Tortas warm and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Grilled steak — For a tender and flavorful steak, marinate it for at least 1 hour before grilling. You can use a marinade of your choice, such as a combination of lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder.
• Chipotle mayo — If you prefer a milder spice level, adjust the amount of chipotle mayo according to your taste. You can also substitute it with regular mayonnaise mixed with a small amount of adobo sauce from canned chipotle peppers.

Tips & Tricks

• For a vegetarian version, substitute the grilled steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu.
• Experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, to add your own twist to the recipe.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add sliced fresh jalapeños instead of pickled jalapeños.
• Serve the tortas with a side of crispy sweet potato fries for a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
• To make the tortas ahead of time, assemble them without the avocado slices and refrigerate. Add the avocado just before serving to prevent browning.

Serving advice

Serve the Big Apple Tortas with a side of coleslaw or a mixed green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. They are perfect for a casual lunch or dinner, and can be enjoyed on their own or with your favorite side dishes.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, cut the tortas in half diagonally and secure each half with a toothpick. Arrange them on a platter with a garnish of fresh cilantro or parsley. Serve with a side of pickles or a small bowl of chipotle mayo for dipping.