Achiote Pork Torta Sandwiches Recipes

ACHIOTE PORK TORTA - (SANDWICHES)

Steps:

• In a blender or food processor, combine the garlic, vinegar, juices, salt, and cumin. Pulse until well combined. Crumble in the achiote and pulse to combine into a very soft paste; add more vinegar by the tablespoon to loosen it up if necessary. Blend in the cilantro.
• Cut the meat into lenghtwise slices 1/2 to 3/4 inch thick. Lay the meat between two sheets of plastic wrap and pound to an even thickness of 1/4 inch. Coat the slices generously with the paste and refrigerate for at least 6 hours and no more than 12 hours.
• Half an hour before cooking, clrean the grill thoroughly with a brush and wipe it down with an oil-dampened rag. Preheat the grill on high.
• Remove the meat from the marinade and shake off as much of the paste as possible. Place the meat on the grill, close the lid, and grill for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, checking often to make sure the meat doesn't burn or cook too quickly; if it does, move it to a cooler part of the grill. The meat is done perfectly when it has an internal temperature of 145 degrees. Do not overcook or the meat will dry out. (I used my George Foreman grill and just made sure to wipe it with a paper towel between batches) Set the meat aside, loosely covered with foil.
• To serve, split the rolls and toast on the grill, then layer from the bottom up: cheese, meat, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, onion, jalapenos, and salsa. Skewer with a couple of toothpicks and cut in half.

MARINATED PORK TORTAS WITH CILANTRO AIOLI & CHILES CURTIDOS

Steps:

• Chiles Curtidos (Pickled Vegetables):.
• Combine vinegar, sugar and water in a large pot and bring to a simmer, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Turn off heat and let pot sit.
• In a large frying pan, heat oil over medium high heat until hot. Add remaining ingredients. Cook until onions are wilted, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Transfer to the pot with vinegar mixture and stir well. Let sit until room temperature. Transfer vegetables and liquid to a glass jar with lid. Refrigerate at least 2 days to infuse flavors. Pickles with keep up to 2 months.
• Pork:.
• Place pork in a sealable baggie. Mix together remaining ingredients except for oil, and add to baggie. Seal baggie and shake to coat pork evenly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
• To cook, heat oil in deep skillet over high heat until hot. Add pork and cook, turning, until crisp on all sides and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Place on paper towels and set aside. When ready to assemble sandwiches, slice pork 1/4-inch thick.
• Refried Black Beans:.
• Combine bay leaves, garlic and onion and wrap in cheesecloth, tying ends to make a tight bundle.
• Bring water to boil in large pot. Add salt, beans and cheese cloth bundle. Return to a simmer and cook until beans are tender, about 1 1/2 hours. As beans cook, add more water if needed to keep them submerged. When beans are done, drain and reserve liquids. Discard cheesecloth bundle.
• In large skillet, heat oil until hot. Add garlic and cumin and cook 1 minute, stirring. Add beans and half the reserved bean liquid. Cook, stirring, 1-2 minutes. Transfer beans to a food processor and puree until smooth. Season with salt to taste. Add more bean liquid as needed for a thick, spreadable consistency.
• Cilantro Aioli:.
• Place mayonnaise, garlic, mustard, lemon juice, and half the cilantro in the bowl of a food processor. Process until smooth. With motor running, slowly add oil. The mixture should be smooth. Add cold water as needed for spreadable consistency and to brighten the color. Add salt and lime juice and pulse briefly. Transfer to a bowl and stir in zest and remaining cilantro.
• Sandwich Assembly:.
• Heat a skillet or griddle until hot. Butter rolls and place in skillet to toast until golden. Spread both halves of rolls with cilantro aioli. Onto bottom halves, layer black beans, pork, chiles curtidos, avocado, queso fresco, tomato and lettuce. Add top half of roll and serve.