Pork & Cheddar Torta Recipe
Description
In the vibrant culinary landscape of Mexico, a torta is more than just a sandwich; it’s a delightful celebration of flavors and textures, making it the perfect choice for a lunch or snack that promises to satisfy your cravings. This recipe features succulent, lime-marinated pork chops complemented by traditional refried beans, fresh vegetables, and a rich layer of melted Cheddar cheese. For a delightful variation, consider using chicken breast, refried black beans, and Monterey Jack cheese to create a new twist on this classic.
Recipe Overview
| Cook Time | Prep Time | Total Time | Servings | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 30 minutes | 50 minutes | 2 servings | Lunch/Snacks |
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Center-cut pork chops | 2 |
| Lime, juice of | 2 |
| Water | 1 cup |
| Chicken broth | ½ cup |
| Jalapeño chiles | 4 |
| Tomatoes | 2 |
| Lettuce | 1 head |
| Cilantro | 1 bunch |
| Onion | 1 |
| Mayonnaise | 1 tablespoon |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 664.4 |
| Total Fat | 28.2 g |
| Saturated Fat | 9.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 151.5 mg |
| Sodium | 585.1 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 39.1 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.9 g |
| Sugars | 3.3 g |
| Protein | 60.6 g |
Instructions
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Pan-Fry the Pork Chops: Begin by heating a skillet over medium-high heat, adding a drizzle of oil to the pan, and then gently placing the center-cut pork chops in the skillet. Allow them to cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully browned and cooked through.
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Simmer for Tenderness: Once the pork chops have reached a lovely golden color, reduce the heat to low and pour in half a cup of water or chicken broth. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the chops simmer gently for an additional 10 minutes, which will ensure they become tender and flavorful.
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Prepare the Marinade: While the pork is simmering, take the opportunity to prepare the marinade. Once the pork chops are done, slice them thinly and place the pieces in a plastic zipper bag. Add the sliced jalapeño chiles and the fresh lime juice to the bag, allowing the zesty flavors to meld together. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate until the mixture is cooled.
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Assemble the Torta: As you await the marinating pork, it’s time to prepare the rolls. Using a sharp knife, carefully scoop out a small amount of bread from the inside of each roll, creating a hollowed space for the filling. This step ensures that your torta can hold all the delicious components without falling apart.
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Spread the Goodness: Begin assembling your torta by generously spreading a layer of refried beans on the bottom half of each roll. For the top half, you can choose between mayonnaise, crema, or sour cream, depending on your preference.
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Layer with Flavor: Begin layering your torta by adding the lime-marinated pork and jalapeños, followed by slices of fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce leaves, and a sprinkling of chopped onions and cilantro. Finally, crown your creation with slices of Cheddar cheese, which will melt into the warm layers below.
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Season to Taste: Before finishing, don’t forget to sprinkle liberally with black pepper to add a little extra kick.
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Serve and Enjoy: Close your torta with the top half of the roll, and if desired, you can briefly grill the assembled torta to help melt the cheese and crisp the bread. Serve immediately, and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite.
With its delightful combination of textures and flavors, this Pork & Cheddar Torta is sure to become a beloved staple in your home, perfect for casual lunches, picnics, or as a satisfying snack any time of day. Whether you stick with the traditional pork or experiment with chicken, this dish is versatile and endlessly customizable to suit your taste.
