Tortas Ahogadas
Tortas Ahogadas is a medium Mexican recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by El Sazón de Freddy on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 1 hr
Cost: $26.20 total, $6.55 per serving
Ingredients
- 8 pieces Tomatoes (medium, peeled after blanching)
- 1 tsp Salt (for seasoning tomatoes and sauces)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced for mild salsa)
- 1 tbsp Dried Oregano (for mild salsa)
- ¼ tsp Black Pepper (ground)
- 1 pinch Cumin (ground)
- 10 pieces Dried Árbol Chilies (good handful, stems removed)
- 6 cloves Garlic (minced for spicy salsa)
- 2 pieces Cloves (whole, for spicy salsa)
- 1 tbsp Dried Oregano (for spicy salsa)
- 2 tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds (lightly toasted)
- ½ tbsp Ginger (fresh, grated)
- ¼ cup White Distilled Vinegar
- 2 cups Cooked Beans (Frijolitos) (pinto or black beans, drained)
- 2 cups Carnitas (Shredded Pork) (pre‑cooked, shredded)
- to taste Additional Salt
Instructions
Blanch and Peel Tomatoes
Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Score a small X on the bottom of each tomato and plunge them into the boiling water for 30 seconds, then transfer to an ice‑water bath. Slip off the skins and set the peeled tomatoes aside.
Time: PT5M
Blend Mild (Non‑Spicy) Salsa
In the blender combine the peeled tomatoes, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dried oregano, ¼ tsp black pepper, a pinch of cumin, and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth. Add a splash of water if the mixture is too thick.
Time: PT5M
Toast and Soak Árbol Chilies
Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the árbol chilies and toast for 30 seconds, shaking the pan constantly until fragrant. Transfer chilies to a bowl and cover with hot water; let soak for 10 minutes, then drain.
Time: PT12M
Blend Spicy Salsa
Place the soaked chilies, 6 minced garlic cloves, 2 whole cloves, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, ½ tbsp grated ginger, ¼ cup white vinegar, and a pinch of salt into the blender. Blend until a smooth, bright‑red sauce forms.
Time: PT5M
Warm Beans and Carnitas
Heat the large skillet over medium heat. Add the cooked beans and shredded carnitas, stirring to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture is heated through.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Combine Sauces with Beans & Meat
Pour the mild tomato salsa over the bean‑carnitas mixture, stir to coat, then add the spicy árbol salsa. Simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Taste and add more salt if needed.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: medium heat
Plate and Serve
Spoon the finished frijoles con carnitas onto serving plates. Garnish with fresh cilantro or sliced radishes if desired. Serve hot with warm corn or flour tortillas.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: hot
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 8 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free (if served without wheat tortillas), High‑Protein, Dairy‑Free
Allergens: Sesame
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Tomatoes: Canned diced tomatoes
- Instead of Salt: Sea salt
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Mexican oregano
- Instead of Dried Árbol Chilies: Dried guajillo chilies (less heat)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Mexican oregano
- Instead of Toasted Sesame Seeds: Pumpkin seeds
- Instead of Ginger: Ground ginger (¼ tsp)
- Instead of White Distilled Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Cooked Beans (Frijolitos): Canned refried beans
- Instead of Carnitas (Shredded Pork): Pulled chicken
Equipment Needed
- Saucepan
- Blender or Food Processor
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Large Skillet or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon or Ladle
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Peeling the tomatoes correctly to avoid a bitter skin.
- Toasting and soaking the árbol chilies safely (use gloves).
- Balancing the heat of the spicy salsa with vinegar.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the sesame seeds just until golden for a nutty aroma that elevates the spicy salsa.
- For extra depth, add a splash of chicken broth when simmering the final mixture.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro, sliced radishes, or a squeeze of lime for brightness.
Troubleshooting
Salsa is too thick.
Add a tablespoon of water or broth at a time while blending until the desired consistency is reached.
Salsa is overly spicy.
Stir in extra tomato puree or a splash more vinegar to mellow the heat.
Beans become mushy.
Use firm‑cooked beans and add them at the end of the heating step, stirring gently.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed bag for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Both the mild and spicy salsas can be prepared up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
- Cooked beans and carnitas can be made ahead; reheat gently before adding the sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Frijoles con Carnitas in Mexican cuisine?
Frijoles con carnitas is a classic comfort dish from central Mexico, combining protein‑rich pork with staple beans. Historically, beans and pork were everyday foods for working families, providing energy and flavor for long days on the farm.
What are the traditional regional variations of Frijoles con Carnitas in Mexican cuisine?
In the state of Michoacán, the carnitas are often cooked in lard and served with a simple tomato salsa, while in Veracruz the beans may be seasoned with annatto and served with a tangy orange‑based sauce. The dual‑salsa version reflects a modern twist that balances mild and spicy flavors.
How is Frijoles con Carnitas traditionally served in Mexican households?
Traditionally, the dish is plated in a shallow bowl, garnished with fresh cilantro, and accompanied by warm corn tortillas, pickled carrots, and sometimes a side of lime wedges. It is often enjoyed for lunch or dinner with family.
What occasions or celebrations is Frijoles con Carnitas associated with in Mexican culture?
Frijoles con carnitas is a popular everyday meal but also appears at festive gatherings such as birthdays, Día de los Muertos, and local fairs where pork is a centerpiece of the celebration.
What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Frijoles con Carnitas versus acceptable substitutes?
Authentic ingredients include pork shoulder cooked until tender (carnitas), pinto or black beans, dried árbol chilies, and Mexican oregano. Substitutes can be pork shoulder for carnitas, canned beans, or guajillo chilies for a milder heat, though the flavor profile will shift slightly.
What other Mexican dishes pair well with Frijoles con Carnitas?
Serve it alongside Mexican rice, a fresh cucumber‑tomato salad (ensalada fresca), or a side of grilled nopales. A chilled agua fresca, such as horchata or jamaica, makes a refreshing beverage pairing.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Frijoles con Carnitas at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the beans until they fall apart, under‑toasting the árbol chilies (resulting in a flat flavor), and adding the spicy salsa too early, which can over‑cook the chilies and become bitter.
Why does this Frijoles con Carnitas recipe use toasted sesame seeds in the spicy salsa instead of traditional Mexican nuts?
Toasted sesame seeds add a subtle nutty depth that balances the intense heat of the árbol chilies without overpowering the sauce. They also provide a unique texture that differentiates this modern version from classic recipes that might use peanuts or pumpkin seeds.
Can I make Frijoles con Carnitas ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Prepare both salsas up to two days in advance and keep them refrigerated in sealed containers. Store the cooked beans and carnitas separately, then combine and reheat gently before serving. The dish reheats well in a skillet over low heat.
What does the YouTube channel El Sazón de Freddy specialize in?
The YouTube channel El Sazón de Freddy specializes in authentic Mexican home cooking, focusing on traditional recipes, street‑food classics, and modern twists that are easy for everyday cooks.
How does the YouTube channel El Sazón de Freddy's approach to Mexican cooking differ from other Mexican cooking channels?
El Sazón de Freddy emphasizes step‑by‑step explanations with clear visual cues, often using everyday pantry ingredients and offering practical shortcuts while still honoring the cultural roots of each dish, unlike some channels that focus on high‑end restaurant techniques.
Last updated: August 31, 2026
