Torta Azteca Or Pastel De Pobres Recipes

ZUCCHINI-TORTILLA CASSEROLE (PASTEL AZTECA)

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a large heavy saute pan, add enough oil to come 2 inches up the sides of the pan. Heat the oil on medium-high heat. When hot, work in batches and quickly fry the tortillas for about 10 seconds on each side (they should still be pliable). Remove the tortillas from the heat and drain on a paper-towel-lined plate.
• In a medium saute pan over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil and add the garlic and onion. Saute until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes. Add the tomato puree. Cook for 10 minutes and turn the heat off.
• In a separate large saute pan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the zucchini and corn. Cook for 2 minutes, and then add the chopped poblano chiles. Add 1/2 cup water to the mixture and cook for 4 more minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
• Spray a 9-by-13-inch baking dish with a nonstick cooking spray. Cover the bottom with about 4 tortillas. Add 1/2 cup of the tomato mixture on top of the tortillas. Top with 1 1/2 cups of the zucchini mixture. Add 1 cup of the cheese. Drizzle with 1/4 cup of Mexican crema. Sprinkle the first layer with some salt and pepper. Start on the second layer with the tortillas, then the tomato, zucchini, cheese and Mexican crema. Again sprinkle with some salt and pepper. Repeat for a third time, to finish off a third layer. Place the casserole into the oven until the cheese is melted, 10 to 15 minutes. Serve hot.

PASTEL AZTECA (MEXICAN LASAGNA)

Steps:

• Place chicken, onion, bay leaf, garlic and a little salt in a pot then cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the meat is tender.
• Strain the broth and let the chicken cool and then shred it using two forks. Set everything aside.

TORTA AZTECA OR PASTEL DE POBRES

Steps:

• Quick fry tortillas in oil for 2 to 3 seconds on each side; drain.
• Line the bottom of a 9-inch square baking pan with 3 tortillas, then start layering sauce, creme cheese, and all of the ingredients. The top will only have sauce, cream and cheese.
• The ingredients from the refried beans down are all suggestions. You can put in any combination you like of the meats, depending on what you have on hand.
• Bake in the oven for about 30 minutes at 350°.
• Garnish with onions, cilantro and avocado.

TORTA - A SPANISH INFLUENCED BREAKFAST

Steps:

• Slice potatoes thinly.
• Add olive oil to a deep 10" frying pan, add potatoes, chopped garlic, and red or white chopped onions.
• Make sure there is enough oil to cover potatoes.
• Saute uncovered until the potatoes are soft, but not brown.
• Drain oil.
• Save a couple tablespoons, discard the rest.
• A little before the potatoes are cooked, mix the eggs and milk.
• When potatoes are cooked and drained, add them to the eggs and milk mixture.
• Let sit for 10-15 minutes.
• Season mixture with a bit of salt and lots of black pepper.
• Heat a 10" non-stick frying and add the two tablespoons of olive oil.
• Add the potato and egg mixture and cook on low heat until the egg is set (fork will come out clean if inserted).
• Flip the tortilla using the lid of a large pan: Place lid over the frying pan; turn pan over; slide the tortilla cooked side up back onto the frying pan to finish cooking, just a couple of minutes longer.
• Remove from heat and let tortilla rest for 15 minutes before serving.
• May be served warm or at room temperature.
• Serve in pie like slices or cut into cubes if serving it to a larger crowd.
• Note: rather than flipping the tortilla you can cook on top of the stove until the egg is set on the bottom and then transfer the pan to a 400 degree oven to finish.