Mexican Torta
A flavorful Mexican-inspired sandwich featuring shredded chicken, roasted red peppers, and a spicy sour cream sauce, perfect for lunch or casual dinners with bold, smoky flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place roasted and peeled red bell peppers in a food processor or blender.
- Add sour cream and process until well blended.
- Stir in red pepper flakes or to taste to the sauce.
- Set the sauce aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and melt margarine or butter.
- Add chopped zucchini and cook until tender, about 5 minutes.
- Add shredded cooked chicken and cook until heated through.
- Warm the flour tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Assemble the tortas by spreading some red pepper sour cream sauce on a tortilla.
- Layer with chicken and vegetable mixture, then sprinkle with shredded Monterey Jack cheese.
- Top with another tortilla and lightly spray with Pam butter-flavored spray.
- Cook the assembled tortas in a skillet or griddle until golden brown and cheese melts, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Serve warm with additional salsa if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a deeper flavor, consider adding diced onions or garlic when sautéing the zucchini. If red bell peppers are unavailable, jarred roasted red peppers make an excellent substitute. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of red pepper flakes based on your preference. This dish is versatile and can incorporate other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms. Explore more Mexican recipes for additional ideas.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tortas with a side of fresh guacamole or a light salad for a complete meal. They also pair wonderfully with additional salsa for dipping. For a more substantial feast, consider serving alongside Spicy Black Bean Chili or Cheesy Chicken Tortilla Stack for a delightful combination of flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover tortas can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a skillet over medium heat, covering with a lid to ensure the cheese melts evenly. Alternatively, you can microwave them for about 1-2 minutes, but this may result in a softer tortilla.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mexican Torta contains roughly 35 calories, with 1g protein, 2g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (10% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these tortas vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can replace the shredded chicken with black beans or grilled vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version. Adding extra cheese or avocado can also enhance the richness of the dish.
What type of tortillas work best for tortas?
Flour tortillas are traditionally used for tortas due to their softness and ability to hold fillings without tearing. However, you can also use corn tortillas for a gluten-free option, though they may be a bit more delicate.
Can I prepare the filling in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and vegetable filling a day ahead. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat it before assembling your tortas. This not only saves time but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).