How to Make a Torta de Tamal: Mexican Guajolota Recipe

A torta de tamal is a Mexican antojito (snack) consisting of a tamal sandwiched in a bread roll. Also known as guajolote (a Nahuatl word meaning “turkeys”), this tamal sandwich combines two of Mexico's favorite street foods: tortas and tamales. In Mexico City, vendors who sell tamales often keep a bag of bolillos or teleras (the rolls used to make tortas) on hand for anyone who wants a quick, affordable carb-on-carb breakfast.

Since they're ultra-portable, tortas de tamal are especially popular as a grab-and-go breakfast. The bread keeps your hands clean, and there's no chance of any filling falling out of a tamal. Tamales can be filled with almost anything: rajas con queso (poblano peppers and queso Oaxaca), pollo con salsa verde (chicken and tomatillo salsa), carne de puerco (pork and red mole or salsa roja). On the sweet side, you'll find tamales dulces filled with dulce de leche or fruits like pineapple or guava; sweet tamales are often made with sweetened masa (corn dough). Served with a cup of atole or champurrado, a torta de tamal is a complete breakfast.