Flaxs’s Tortas Ahogadas Recipe Estilo Guadalajara Jalisco
Flaxs’s Tortas Ahogadas Recipe Estilo Guadalajara Jalisco is a easy Filipino recipe that serves 4. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Desaida Family on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 45 min
Cost: $34.79 total, $8.70 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 cups Dried Beans (e.g., black beans or kidney beans) (rinsed and drained)
- 6 cups Water (for boiling beans)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (plus to taste)
- 1 medium Red Onion (sliced into half‑moons)
- 12 Limes (juiced; zest optional)
- 2 large Tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons White Vinegar (adds tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cloves (warm spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 3 Garlic Cloves (peeled)
- 1 teaspoon Chili Flakes (optional for extra heat)
Instructions
Rinse and Boil Beans
Place the rinsed beans in a large pot, add 6 cups of water, and bring to a boil over medium heat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 100°C
Simmer Beans Until Tender
Once boiling, reduce heat to a gentle simmer, cover partially, and cook for about 10 minutes. Add 1 tsp salt and continue simmering for another 5 minutes until beans are just tender but still hold shape.
Time: PT15M
Temperature: 90°C
Drain Beans
Turn off the heat, remove the pot from the burner, and drain the beans in a colander. Set aside with the lid on to keep warm.
Time: PT2M
Slice and Marinate Onions
While beans are cooking, slice the red onion into half‑moon strips. Place the slices in a mixing bowl, squeeze the juice of 12 limes over them, and toss to coat. Let the onions marinate for at least 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Prepare Tomato‑Garlic Sauce
In the blender, combine the chopped tomatoes, peeled garlic cloves, white vinegar, ground cloves, black pepper, chili flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt. Blend until smooth.
Time: PT3M
Combine All Components
In a large mixing bowl, combine the warm beans, marinated onions (with any remaining lime juice), and the tomato‑garlic sauce. Toss gently until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT3M
Rest and Serve
Cover the bowl and let the salad rest for 5‑10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld. Serve as a side dish or over a bed of greens.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 8g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 2g
- Fiber
- 8g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten‑Free
Allergens: Garlic
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Dried Beans (e.g., black beans or kidney beans): canned beans (drained), lentils
- Instead of Red Onion: white onion, shallots
- Instead of Limes: lemon
- Instead of Tomatoes: canned diced tomatoes
- Instead of White Vinegar: apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Ground Cloves: ground allspice
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Chili Flakes: fresh jalapeño, minced
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Cutting Board
- Chef’s Knife
- Blender or Food Processor
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Citrus Juicer (optional)
- Wooden Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Boiling beans to the correct tenderness without overcooking
- Marinating onions in fresh lime juice to mellow their sharpness
- Blending the tomato‑garlic sauce to a smooth consistency
Chef Tips from the Video
- Toast the ground cloves briefly in a dry pan for a more aromatic flavor before adding to the sauce.
- Use a microplane to zest a lime before juicing for an extra citrus punch.
Troubleshooting
Beans are still hard after cooking time
Continue simmering, adding a little more water if needed, until beans reach desired tenderness.
Sauce is too thin
Blend a few more tomatoes or add a spoonful of bean cooking liquid to thicken.
Onions are too sharp
Add extra lime juice and let them marinate longer; you can also rinse briefly with cold water.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture of beans and onions changes.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours; discard after.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook the beans a day ahead and store them in their cooking liquid in the fridge.
- Marinate the onions in lime juice up to 12 hours ahead for deeper flavor.
- The tomato‑garlic sauce can be prepared 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Spicy Lime Bean Salad in Filipino cuisine?
Spicy Lime Bean Salad, known locally as “Ensaladang Bagoong” variations, reflects the Filipino love for tangy, sour, and slightly spicy side dishes that accompany rice and grilled meats. Beans and fresh vegetables are combined with citrus and vinegar, a tradition dating back to Spanish colonial influence when vinegar became a staple preservative.
What are the traditional regional variations of Spicy Lime Bean Salad in the Philippines?
In the Visayas, the salad often includes boiled mung beans and uses calamansi instead of lime. In Luzon, black beans are common and a splash of fish sauce (patis) may be added for umami. Some regions add shredded coconut for texture.
How is Spicy Lime Bean Salad traditionally served in Filipino households?
It is typically served at room temperature as a side dish alongside steamed rice, grilled fish, or barbecue pork. It may be presented in a shallow bowl, allowing diners to scoop a portion onto their plate with a spoon or fork.
What occasions or celebrations is Spicy Lime Bean Salad traditionally associated with in Filipino culture?
The salad appears at casual family gatherings, birthday feasts, and outdoor picnics because it can be made ahead and stays fresh. It’s also a common accompaniment during “fiestas” where multiple meat dishes are served.
What other Filipino dishes pair well with Spicy Lime Bean Salad?
Grilled chicken “Inihaw,” pork “Lechon Kawali,” and fried fish such as “Daing na Bangus” complement the bright acidity of the salad. A simple fried rice or garlic rice also balances the flavors nicely.
What makes Spicy Lime Bean Salad special or unique in Filipino cuisine?
Its combination of boiled beans, lime‑marinated onions, and a garlic‑vinegar tomato sauce creates a layered tang‑spice profile that is both refreshing and hearty, embodying the Filipino palate’s love for balance between sour, salty, and spicy.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Spicy Lime Bean Salad?
Over‑cooking the beans makes them mushy, under‑marinating the onions leaves a harsh bite, and using too much vinegar can overpower the dish. Also, blending hot beans directly can cause the blender lid to pop off, so let them cool slightly first.
Why does this Spicy Lime Bean Salad recipe use ground cloves instead of whole cloves?
Ground cloves disperse evenly throughout the sauce, giving a subtle warm spice without the need to remove whole cloves later. Whole cloves would create pockets of intense flavor that could dominate the delicate balance.
Can I make Spicy Lime Bean Salad ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Cook the beans and prepare the sauce up to 2 days in advance, storing each component in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Combine everything just before serving and let it sit at room temperature for 5‑10 minutes for optimal flavor.
What texture and appearance should I look for when making Spicy Lime Bean Salad?
Beans should be tender but intact, onions glossy with lime juice, and the sauce smooth, bright red, and slightly thick enough to coat the beans without pooling. The final dish should have a vibrant orange‑red hue with specks of onion and herbs.
How do I know when Spicy Lime Bean Salad is done cooking?
The beans are done when a fork slides in with slight resistance, and the sauce has thickened enough to cling to a spoon. After tossing, the salad should taste balanced—tangy, mildly spicy, and lightly salted.
What does the YouTube channel Desaida Family specialize in?
The YouTube channel Desaida Family focuses on home‑cooked Filipino comfort food, sharing family‑style recipes, cooking tips, and cultural stories that celebrate everyday meals in the Philippines.
How does the YouTube channel Desaida Family's approach to Filipino cooking differ from other Filipino cooking channels?
Desaida Family emphasizes simple, budget‑friendly ingredients and step‑by‑step explanations that mirror real household cooking, often featuring leftover‑friendly dishes and personal anecdotes, whereas many other channels prioritize restaurant‑style plating or advanced techniques.
Last updated: August 31, 2026






