Mexico's spicy wet sandwich the 'torta ahogada'

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Baguette (prefer a crusty French baguette, about 6‑8 inches long each; can use store‑bought or bakery fresh)
• 1 can Refried Beans (15‑ounce can, preferably low‑sodium; stir before heating)
• 1 pound Carne Asada (or other grilled meat) (thinly sliced; can use flank steak, skirt steak, or pre‑cooked rotisserie chicken strips)
• 1 cup Tomato‑Chili Salsa (fresh salsa made with diced tomatoes, jalapeños, onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt)
• 2 tablespoons Hot Sauce (optional; choose a Mexican‑style hot sauce like Cholula or Tapatío)
• 8 leaves Lettuce Leaves (shredded iceberg or romaine for crunch)
• 4 ounces Queso Fresco (optional) (crumbled; adds mild salty flavor)

Instructions

1. Slice the Baguettes

   Using a sharp chef's knife, cut each baguette lengthwise, leaving a hinge on one side so the loaf opens like a book.

   Time: PT3M

2. Heat the Refried Beans

   Empty the canned beans into a saucepan, add a splash of water (2‑3 Tbsp) and stir over medium heat until bubbling and smooth, about 5 minutes.

   Time: PT5M

   Temperature: Medium heat

3. Warm the Meat

   If using pre‑cooked meat, add the slices to the same saucepan for the last 2 minutes just to re‑heat. If using raw steak, quickly sear over high heat for 2‑3 minutes per side, then slice thinly.

   Time: PT4M

   Temperature: Medium‑high heat

4. Assemble the Torta

   Spread a generous layer (≈2 Tbsp) of warm refried beans on the bottom half of each baguette. Top with a handful of lettuce, 3‑4 oz of meat, 2 Tbsp of tomato‑chili salsa, and, if using, crumbled queso fresco. Drizzle hot sauce to taste.

   Time: PT5M

5. Final Warm‑Through (Optional)

   Place the assembled tortas on a pre‑heated skillet or grill pan, press down with a spatula, and toast for 1‑2 minutes per side until the bread is golden and the cheese softens.

   Time: PT3M

   Temperature: Medium heat

6. Serve

   Cut each torta into two manageable pieces, serve immediately with extra salsa and hot sauce on the side.

   Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

480

Protein

28 g

Carbohydrates

55 g

Fat

16 g

Fiber

8 g