Torta Ahogada

Servings: 4

Pork Carnitas:

• 1 ½ pounds pork shoulder cut into 2 inch chunks
• 1 tsp Kosher salt
• 2 tbsp canola oil
• ½ white onion, quartered
• 1 clove of garlic, crushed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 sprig fresh oregano
• 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken broth

Tomato Sauce:

• 10 roma tomatoes, coarsely chopped
• 1 medium white onion, chopped
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¼ cup water
• ½ tsp salt

Chile Sauce:

• 20 chile de árbol
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• ¼ tsp salt

Tortas:

• 4 bolillos or French rolls split in half lengthwise with top and bottom hinged
• Thinly sliced red onions marinated in lime juice for garnish

Preparation:

Pork Carnitas: In a Dutch oven, heat the oil over high heat. Season the pork with salt and place flat in the Dutch oven. Cook meat until browned on all sides. Add onion, garlic, bay leaf and oregano. Add in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Simmer until pork is very tender, for about 2 hours. Shred with two forks.

Tomato Sauce: Place the roma tomatoes, onion, garlic, oregano, water and salt in a large saucepan. Cook on medium heat until the the tomatoes and onions become soft. Allow the mixture to cool, then place in blender and purée. Strain and set aside.

Chile Sauce: In a frying pan, gently heat the chile de árbol until fragrant (be careful not to burn as this will result in a bitter taste). De-stem and remove seeds. Add water and red wine vinegar in saucepan. Cook until chiles are soft. Remove from heat and allow mixture to cool. Place ingredients in blender and purée. Strain and set aside.

Tortas: Remove the bread from the center of the rolls to create a trench in which to place the carnitas. Place the rolls in shallow bowls. Heap the meat into the roll, place pickled red onions on top of the carnitas and close the sandwich. Laddle the tomato sauce over the torta first followed by the chile sauce. Serve immediately.