How to Make Traditional Mexican Meat-Based Pambazos
Traditional Mexican pambazos are a delicious street food that features bread soaked in a rich and flavorful guajillo sauce, typically filled with potatoes and chorizo. This beloved dish offers a taste of authentic Mexican cuisine that is perfect for gatherings or a hearty meal. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to make traditional meat-based pambazos at home.
Ingredients
To prepare traditional pambazos, you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 bolillos or telera rolls
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced
- 200g of chorizo sausage, casing removed
- 3-4 dried guajillo chiles
- 3 cups of water (for boiling chiles and potatoes)
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- Salt to taste
- Mexican crema for drizzling
- Fresh cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Shredded lettuce (for topping)
- Avocado slices (for garnish)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Start by removing the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo chiles. In a saucepan, combine the chiles with 1 cup of water and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let the chiles simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until they are soft.
Once softened, transfer the chiles to a blender along with a bit of the cooking water and blend until smooth. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Potatoes
In a separate pot, add diced potatoes and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the potatoes are tender but not mushy, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook until browned and fully cooked, which should take around 5-7 minutes. Once the chorizo is cooked, add the drained potatoes to the skillet and mix well. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, then season with salt to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Pambazos
Take each bolillo or telera roll and slice it open, creating a pocket. Dip each roll quickly into the guajillo sauce, allowing excess sauce to drip off. Make sure to coat the bread well but do not soak it.
Fill each roll with the chorizo and potato mixture, then close the rolls securely.
Step 5: Fry the Pambazos
In a clean skillet, add a bit more oil and heat over medium heat. Place the pambazos seam-side down in the skillet and fry until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side. Make sure to fry them carefully to keep the fillings intact.
Step 6: Serve
Once fried to a golden crisp, serve the pambazos on a plate. Drizzle with Mexican crema, sprinkle crumbled cheese if desired, and top with shredded lettuce. For an extra touch, add slices of avocado.
Tips for the Best Pambazos
For an authentic flavor, it’s best to use fresh ingredients. You can also experiment with different fillings, such as beef or chicken, depending on your preference. Serve your pambazos with a side of salsa for added heat and flavor.
Enjoy your homemade traditional Mexican meat-based pambazos as a delightful taste of Mexico right in your kitchen!