Spicy Pinto Bean and Ham Tortas
Spicy Pinto Bean and Ham Tortas are a delicious quick weeknight meal, weekend lunch or a picnic centerpiece. Who knew a can of beans could shine so bright?
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- 1 medium jalapeño minced
- 1 medium brown onion diced
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce
- 1 16-ounce can pinto beans, with their juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 4 Mexican bolillo rolls or Kaiser rolls
- 2 medium avocados pitted, peeled and smashed
- 10 ounces queso fresco sliced
- 2 cups shredded lettuce
- 1 1/2 pounds sliced deli ham
- plantain chips or regular chips for serving
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat with the oil. Once hot, add the garlic, onion and jalapeño and cook until softened, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the chipotle sauce and cook for another minute. Add the beans and their juice, salt, pepper and seasonings and cook until the beans have come up to a simmer. Mash with a potato masher until somewhat smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Split the rolls and toast on a pan with a bit of oil or butter, if desired. To assemble, spread bottom halves with beans and top halves with mashed avocado. Divide the ham between the sandwiches, placing on top of the beans. Top with cheese and lettuce and sandwich together. Slice in half and serve with chips on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
If you don't like heat, feel free to omit the jalapeño or chipotle as you see fit!