You will find tortas available all over in Mexico, and much of Texas. They are typically some sort of protein - beef, pork, shrimp - with lettuce, tomato, avocado, cheese, crema, or a combination of those things, served on a toasted or griddled bolillo (a small soft football shaped roll). There is a taco stand just outside our neighborhood with an inelegant location (the parking lot of an Exxon station) an awesome name (Taco Bella) and fantastic tacos, gorditas and tortas. The owner adds a stroke of torta brilliance by adding a slather of refried beans to the mix, a trick which I immediately incorporated into mine. I keep a jar of the DIY Crème Fraîche in my fridge as a matter of habit so that's what I use (https://food52.com/blog/3781-making-creme-fraiche-at-home), but sour cream or Mexican crema are both perfectly fine. The owner of Taco Bella makes her own refried beans but for ease and speed I use canned refried pinto beans. Refried black beans work just as well. And finally, feel free to throw a few pickled jalapenos on the sandwich if you are so inclined.

Share: