Torta ahogada

A Torta ahogada (literally "drowned sandwich" in local Spanish) is a typical dish from the Mexican state of Jalisco, particularly in the city of Guadalajara. Although it is popular in some other parts of Mexico, it is more popular in Jalisco than anywhere else. It is called "drowned" because the sandwich is submerged totally or partially in a sauce made primarily of a dried chili pepper called de árbol. Their flavor, when "well drowned", is so spicy that only people accustomed to eating hot chili peppers are able to enjoy it. Less spicy versions of the sandwich, made with a tomato-based sauce are also available. Tortas ahogadas are made with birote bread (also called bolillo) characteristic of the region. The bread has a thick, crunchy crust and softer interior which is more salty than sweet. The consistency of the bread permits the sandwich to be submerged in sauce without crumbling or dissolving. The bread is sliced open on one side and the sandwich is filled with chopped, fried pork. Fillings of chicken, beans and cheese are sometimes available. The sandwiches are served with onion rings, radishes, avocados and chili peppers.

The sauce can be either spicy or mild. The first is based on ground arbol chilies, vinegar, garlic, oregano and other spices. Sweet sauce, which is considerably less spicy, is made of red tomatoes and chili peppers. If the sandwich is ordered "media ahogada" or "half drowned," it is dipped partially in the sauce. If the sandwich is "bien ahogada" or "well drowned," the bread and meat are completely submerged in the sauce until no bubbles emerge.

It is traditional to eat tortas ahogadas in Estadio Jalisco, the soccer stadium in Guadalajara, in spite of the difficulty in consuming them. They are usually eaten with bare hands, although tortas ahogadas are messy due to the large amount of sauce used. Although this delicacy is usually available from street vendors, it can be found in restaurants too.

References

* [http://www.ocregister.com/ocr/sections/entertainment/et_dining_nightlife/article_667360.php Orange County Register review of restaurant that serves tortas ahogadas]
* [http://www.explore-guadalajara.com/guadalajararestaurants.html Local foods at Explore-Guadalajara]
* [http://thediningdiva.typepad.com/the_dining_diva/2006/09/index.html Tortas ahogadas at TheDiningDiva]