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A bright, aromatic Mexican tomato sauce perfect for tortas ahogadas, tacos, or any snack that needs a fresh, tangy base. Made by simmering tomatoes with bay leaves and blending with onions, garlic, oregano, cloves, cumin and salt.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
Tortas Ahogadas are a traditional specialty from the state of Jalisco, especially Guadalajara. The name means "drowned sandwich" because the crusty roll is soaked in a spicy tomato sauce, reflecting the region’s love for bold, saucy flavors.
In Jalisco the sauce is typically made with fresh tomatoes, bay leaves, oregano, and a hint of cumin, as shown in this recipe. In other regions, cooks may add chipotle chilies, roasted poblano, or a splash of vinegar for extra heat and tang.
The sandwich is split open, filled with thinly sliced pork or chicken, then completely submerged in the hot tomato sauce. It is usually garnished with sliced onions, radishes, and a squeeze of lime before eating.
Tortas Ahogadas are popular street‑food fare and are often enjoyed at festivals, family gatherings, and weekend markets. They are especially common during local fairs (ferias) in Jalisco.
The sauce works great with grilled carne asada, chicharrón, fish tacos, and as a topping for huevos rancheros or simple tostadas.
SANRAM VICROSR emphasizes simmering the tomatoes with bay leaves for exactly seven minutes, then blending everything together without straining, preserving the pulp for a richer mouthfeel that sets it apart from smoother salsas.
Common errors include over‑cooking the tomatoes, which makes the sauce bitter, and over‑blending, which can turn the sauce frothy. Also, forgetting to discard the bay leaves before blending will give an unpleasant texture.
Bay leaves release their aromatic oils best when simmered in liquid; adding them during the boil infuses the sauce with a subtle earthy note that would be lost if added after blending.
Yes, you can prepare the sauce up to two days in advance. Cool it quickly, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to five days, or freeze in portioned bags for up to two months.
The YouTube channel SANRAM VICROSR focuses on simple, home‑cooked Mexican recipes, often highlighting traditional street‑food flavors and quick techniques for busy cooks.
SANRAM VICROSR emphasizes minimal equipment, short cooking times, and preserving the natural texture of ingredients—like not straining the sauce—whereas many other channels rely on extensive prep or heavy processing.
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