The Guacamayas Sandwiches

These tortas are a typical dish from the city of León, Guanajuato: the tortas Guacamayas. The city of León is very big, ranking 6th in all of Mexico; and they just love their torta! It is a local tradition for the people from to enjoy this decadent sandwich filled with chicharrón (pork cracklings) and a chile de arbol salsa that is as hot as it is delicious, accompanied by pickled pork rinds (cueritos encurtidos), more salsa, lemon and salt. When looking for a snack or appetizer while in León it’s pretty hard to beat the torta Guacamaya!

In the streets of León, Guanajuato you will see "Guacamaya carts" - tricycles, which are fitted with a glass case where they keep the chicharron and bolillos rolls and all the salsa needed. Such street food stands selling those sandwiches are a common sight in León, also offering some refreshing Cebadina, the local drink.

Torta Guacamaya

Ingredients:

* Enough Chicharrón for 4 sandwiches
* Picked Pork Rinds
* 4 bolillo rolls
* 3 red tomatoes
* 2 onions
* 1 bunch cilantro
* 1 avocado
* 2 serrano chiles
* 4 dried chiles de arbol
* 1 clove garlic
* 1 lemon
* Water

Preparation:

1) The bolillo roll should be crisp, firm, well-cooked, "gold" or even roasted on the outside, slice them open on one side, dig some breadcrumb to make more room for the garnishings;

2) place some pork chicharrón on the bread, place a few slices of avocado, then a few tablespoons of the special salsa to moisten the pork and if you want spicy, you add the chile de arbol sauce, once the condiments with some pickled pork rinds and the finely chopped carrots they come with, and finally a squeeze of lemon and salt.

The Special Salsa for Guacamaya:

Chop finely two tomatoes, one onion and serrano chiles in small dice and chop also the cilantro to make a "pico de gallo”, and reserve. Roast the remaining tomato in the oven, with half an onion, a clove of garlic and the 4 dried chiles de arbol; and once well roasted liquefy them with a little water in your blender to a liquid salsa. Mix this salsa with the "pico de gallo" we made earlier, season and add lemon juice, you can add pieces of pickled pork skins if desired.