Tortas - Hot Mexican Sandwiches

Yield 6

Pillar of Nutrition All in for Whole Grains, Lean on Protein, Eat the Rainbow

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Tortas - Hot Mexican Sandwiches

A hearty, hand held meal that is nutritious and budget-friendly, this torta is also much loved amongst our students.

Ingredients

• 3 whole wheat bolillos, cut in half lengthwise (or whole wheat baguette, cut in thirds)
• 6 tablespoons canned refried black beans
• ½ head of cabbage or lettuce, shredded
• ¼ onion, chopped (yellow or white)
• 6 slices of tomato
• 1 avocado, mashed
• 6 slices of monterey jack cheese
• 2 pickled jalapeño chilies, julienned into 6 slices (Optional; for more heat, use serranos. Spicy!)
• 3 radishes, thinly sliced
• 6 teaspoons whole milk plain Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ teaspoons olive oil
• A pinch of kosher salt

Directions

1. Slice each bolillo roll in half lengthwise.
2. Mash avocado in a small bowl, sprinkle it with salt; set aside.
3. Cut tomato into 6 slices, slice radishes and shred cabbage or lettuce, and chop onion; set aside. Julienne jalapeño chiles in 6 strips (Optional; Spicy!)
4. Measure yogurt in a small bowl, add salt and mix; set aside.
5. Heat a skillet at medium-low heat, add a ½ teaspoon olive oil, place both halves of roll on pan and heat; repeat with all rolls and set aside.
6. Add ½ teaspoon of oil to the hot pan, add chopped onion and sauté until translucent (2 minutes), add refried beans to the pan and stir until mixture is creamy. Remove from heat.
7. Spread hot refried beans on the bottom half of each roll and place a slice of cheese on top.
8. Spread equal amounts of mashed avocado on top half of each roll.
9. Add a slice of tomato, sliced radishes and chilies (optional)
10. Top with shredded cabbage or lettuce and spoon yogurt on top half of the roll.
11. Cut each torta in half and serve immediately. ¡Buen provecho!

Notes

Variations to Try 

• Add sliced ham, shredded chicken, 
• chopped carne asada, Soyrizo or a scrambled egg 
• Add 1 tablespoon of milk when reheating refried or canned beans to make creamy; 

Something to Chew On

• The torta was created in Mexico City in 1892 by Armando Martinez Centurion who sold stuffed bread with any filling he could find! 
• Mexican bakers made bolillos and telera loaves after the French bread.