Tortasare the Mexican version of that old staple of world cuisine: a length of bread split lengthwise and filled withmeat, cheese, or any other product that tickles the culinary imagination.
Even though its origins are notcompletelyclear, thetortais beloved in Mexico as a symbol of a gastronomical culture that favors convenience, imagination and versatility. For example, ElChavodelOcho, the main character ofone of the most popular Mexican sitcoms of all time famously cravedtortasand was always plotting to get one.
History
One of the earliest mentions of atortadates back toFebruary 1864, when a newspaper ad included a reference toa “tortacompuesta”, which can be roughly translated as “mixedtorta”.
Some historians claim that thetortawas created in Puebla, in south-central Mexico, before the Mexican-American war of 1846-1848.Under those circ*mstances, people sometimes lived hand-to-mouth and thetortareflects thatkind ofculture: it’sfilling,cheap to make,andeasy to carry around.
According to others, the creator of thetortawas ArmandoMartínezCenturión, a humble man living inMexico City, who in 1892 decided to sell bread stuffed with whatever fillinghe was able to find.To this day, Mr.Martínez’stortería(tortaplace) is still open as a sanctuary for lovers oftortasfrom all around the world.
The Bread Is Key
What sets apart thetortafrom, say, the hoagie, or other types of sandwiches, is the bread. There are different types of bread to makeatorta, but theteleraisamongthe most popularin Mexico.
Historically, the ancestor of thetelerais a whole wheat roll that was favored by Andalusian workers and was then modified in Mexico.Thetelerais oval in shape and the two incisions on its surface form three sectionsthat are one of its main characteristics.
Types ofTortas
Anytelerawith any kind of fillingqualifies as atorta, but there are some well-established types served all over Mexico.A chickentortais always welcome, and some people go crazy overlengua(tongue)tortas. Atortaal pastor is an act of Mexican culinary legerdemain: someone decided to fill atelerawith the type of meat most commonly used to maketacos and it stuck. Now you can eattortasal pastoranywhere in Mexico.
There are other regional variationsof thetorta, like thetortacubana(Cuban, but only in name),thetortaahogada(drowned), which is served submerged totally or partially in salsa, or the peculiartortathetamal: atelerawith atamalinside.No matterwichone you prefer, a goodtortawill always leave you satisfied and already yearning for the next one, just like ElChavo.
FAQs
Some historians claim that the torta was created in Puebla, in south-central Mexico, before the Mexican-American war of 1846-1848. Under those circ*mstances, people sometimes lived hand-to-mouth and the torta reflects that kind of culture: it's filling, cheap to make, and easy to carry around.
What is the history of the torta? ›
They were first introduced in Puebla with the development of the telera, a type of bread. However it was Mexico City that really gave life to the meal. It was there that Mexican tortas became Mexican. They infused their culture into the food and created something truly unique, even if it had several variations.
What does torta slang mean? ›
a hot or cold sandwich made on a crusty bread roll such as a bolillo, filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, sauces, and other toppings. Slang: Usually Disparaging and Offensive. an overweight or heavyset woman.
Why do Mexicans call sandwiches tortas? ›
The word “torta” in Spanish can mean different things depending on the country, but in Mexico, it specifically refers to a sandwich made with a crusty, white bread roll known as a “bolillo” or “telera.” The bread is key—it's denser than typical sandwich bread and has a crunchy crust with a soft interior, able to hold ...
What are some interesting facts about tortas? ›
The torta has a pretty confusing history. Some say it originated during the French occupation of Mexico in the 1860s. Some sources say that bakers in Mexico took inspiration from the French baguette and made smaller loaves called bolillo and telera, which were both used to make sandwiches.
What are tortas explained? ›
A torta is a Mexican sandwich served on a soft roll and filled with meat, sauce, and various toppings such as crema, avocado, salsa, and iceberg lettuce.
What are two types of torta? ›
The sandwich is normally named according to its main ingredient:
- Torta de jamón, ham-filled torta.
- Torta de aguacate, avocado-filled torta.
- Torta de adobada, adobo meat-filled torta.
- Torta de huevo, scrambled eggs-filled torta.
- Torta de milanesa, milanesa meat-filled torta.
- Tortope, chicken sope-filled torta.
Torta is a Spanish word (among several) for cake.
Why are tortas so good? ›
The Mexican torta, with its layers of flavorful ingredients, is a sandwich unlike the typical ones found North of the border. Mexican tortas are a combination of European breads and New World ingredients that come together in a uniquely Mexican and delicious way.
Are tortas served hot or cold? ›
A torta is a sandwich served on a roll or bun. Torta's can come in many varieties and can be served both hot or cold.
First of all I am not Mexican, but I can tell you some of the meanings of torta in Spanish: it usually refers to a flat flour based baked food, round in shape. It's also a colloquial term for a smack.
Where do tortes originate? ›
Traditional tortes come from Central and Eastern Europe—namely, Germany, Austria, and Hungary—where the word simply means cake. Typically found in Viennese coffeehouses, they pair well (no surprise) with a strong cup of coffee.
What is the history of torta Barozzi? ›
Italian pastry chef Eugenio Gollini created the cake in his pastry shop in 1897 in Vignola and named it in honor of Italian renaissance architect Giacomo Barozzi da Vignola. It is a chocolate cake, flavoured with coffee, almonds, and peanuts. It is flourless and gluten free.
What is the history of the torta ahogada? ›
The story goes that one-day a customer asked for a little extra sauce on his torta when he accidently dropped the whole sandwich in the container. To which the customer cried, “You drowned it!” But then of course he ate it, loved it and from then on De La Torre and his son started selling tortas ahogadas!
