Vegetarian Torta Recipe
Our sandwich (Torta) contains refried beans & salsa, cheese & avocado slices on a freshly baked sweet roll.
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Ingredients
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Bread
Refried beans & salsa
Cheese & toppings
Assembly & finishing
Method
Bread
- 1
Split and prepare rolls
Slice each sweet roll horizontally, leaving a small hinge if you like, so the bottom holds fillings. Leave them open for toasting.
- 2
Toast rolls
Brush cut sides lightly with butter (about 1/2 tablespoon per roll) and a tiny drizzle of oil. Heat a skillet over medium heat or preheat oven broiler. Toast cut sides in skillet 2–3 minutes until golden and crisp, or broil 1–2 minutes watching closely.
Refried beans & salsa
- 3
Cook aromatics
In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Make refried beans
Add the drained or well-rinsed pinto beans to the skillet. Stir in cumin, salt, and pepper. Mash the beans in the pan with a potato masher or fork while gradually adding 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth until smooth but still a bit chunky. Cook 3–5 minutes, stirring, until heated through and thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 5
Prepare salsa (if making fresh)
If using fresh salsa, combine 2 medium diced tomatoes (or 1 cup diced), 1/4 cup finely chopped onion, 1 small chopped jalapeño (seeded if desired), 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro, 1 tablespoon lime juice and a pinch of salt. Stir and set aside. If using prepared salsa, keep at room temperature.
Cheese & toppings
- 6
Assemble cheese and avocado
Layer about 1/4 cup shredded or sliced cheese on the bottom half of each toasted roll while the beans are hot so the cheese will soften. Arrange 3–4 thin avocado slices per sandwich on top of the cheese.
- 7
Add pickled jalapeños and cilantro
Scatter a tablespoon or so of sliced pickled jalapeños over the avocado if using. Sprinkle each sandwich with 1/2 tablespoon chopped cilantro and a small squeeze of lime to taste.
Assembly & finishing
- 8
Layer refried beans and salsa
Spoon about 1/3 cup warm refried beans onto the bottom half of each prepared roll (on top of the cheese if you prefer melted cheese underneath). Add 2–3 tablespoons of salsa on top of the beans per sandwich.
- 9
Close and serve
Place the top roll over the fillings, press gently, and serve immediately with extra lime wedges and remaining salsa on the side. If you prefer the cheese more melted, briefly heat assembled sandwiches in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 3–5 minutes before serving.