Mexican > Sandwiches > Cemitas

Cemitas de Chicharrón Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 cemitas rolls
- 1 lb. pork belly
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. cumin
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup refried beans
- 1/2 cup queso fresco
- 1 avocado, sliced
- 1/2 onion, sliced
- 1/2 cup chipotle salsa

Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
2. Cut the pork belly into thin slices and season with salt, black pepper, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Grill the pork belly slices for 2-3 minutes on each side until crispy and cooked through.
4. Cut the cemitas rolls in half and spread refried beans on the bottom half.
5. Top the beans with the grilled pork belly slices.
6. Sprinkle queso fresco on top of the pork belly.
7. Add sliced avocado and onion on top of the queso fresco.
8. Drizzle chipotle salsa on top of the vegetables.
9. Close the cemitas rolls and press down lightly.
10. Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
11. Place the cemitas rolls in the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until the bread is crispy and golden brown.
12. Serve hot.


Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Skillet: medium heat
Serving size:
6 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Pork belly can be substituted with chicken or beef.
- Refried beans can be substituted with black beans.
- Queso fresco can be substituted with feta cheese.
- Chipotle salsa can be substituted with any other spicy salsa.

Variations:
- Add sliced tomatoes or lettuce for extra freshness.
- Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Add pickled jalapeños for extra heat.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to slice the pork belly thinly to ensure it cooks evenly.
- Use a heavy skillet to press down on the cemitas rolls while cooking to ensure they are crispy.
- Toast the cemitas rolls before assembling for extra crunch.

Storage instructions:
Cemitas de Chicharrón are best served fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the cemitas rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the cemitas de chicharrón on a wooden board with a side of salsa and guacamole.

Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh cilantro leaves and lime wedges.

Pairings:
Pair with a cold beer or a refreshing margarita.

Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of Mexican rice or grilled corn on the cob.

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the bread is not crispy enough, increase the heat and cook for a few more minutes.
- If the pork belly is not cooked through, grill for a few more minutes on each side.

Food safety advice:
Make sure to cook the pork belly to an internal temperature of 145°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Cemitas de Chicharrón are a traditional Mexican sandwich that originated in the city of Puebla.

Flavor profiles:
Cemitas de Chicharrón are savory, spicy, and slightly tangy.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the cemitas de chicharrón with a side of salsa and guacamole for dipping.

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Region: Mexican

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Spicy, Crunchy, Herbal