Vegan Tortas and Pambazos

Ingredients

• 2 medium poblano peppers

• 1 medium eggplant, cut into 1/2-inch planks

• Kosher salt

• 1/2 cup flour

• 1 quart vegetable oil

• 1 cup panko-style breadcrumbs

• 1 cup refried beans

• 2 Tbsp finely chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce

• 2 tsp dark molasses

• 4 hearty sandwich or hero rolls

• 3/4 cup pickled red onions

• 2 cups shredded lettuce

• Handful fresh cilantro leaves

• 1 avocado, sliced

• 1 1/2 cups red enchilada sauce (If Making Pambazos)

Directions

1. Broil poblanos, turning occasionally, until blackened on all sides, about 10 minutes. Wrap in foil to steam and set aside.

2. Meanwhile, season eggplant slices evenly with salt and pepper. Place on a paper towel-lined plate and cover with another paper towel. Combine flour and 1/2 cup water in a medium bowl. Season with salt. Place panko in a medium bowl. Heat oil in a large wok, cast iron fryer, or Dutch oven to 375°F. Adjust flame to maintain temperature.

3. Press down on eggplant slices to remove excess moisture, then fully dip in the bowl with flour/water mixture 3 to 4 pieces at a time. Lift eggplant, allow excess batter to drain, then transfer to breadcrumbs and toss to coat, pressing on crumbs to adhere firmly. Transfer to a large plate. Repeat until all eggplant is coated in crumbs.

4. Working in batches (do not add more than a single layer of eggplant), carefully add eggplant slices to oil and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp on all sides, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate, season immediately with salt, and repeat until all eggplant is cooked.

5. Carefully peel charred skin from poblano peppers, remove stems and seeds, and cut into 1/4- to 1/2-inch strips.

6. In a small bowl, combine refried beans, chipotle peppers, and molasses. Stir with a fork until homogenous.

7. To assemble sandwiches, cut bread rolls in half. Spread refried beans evenly over bottom halves. Top with pepper strips, fried eggplant, pickled red onions, shredded lettuce, and cilantro. Spread sliced avocados evenly on cut-side of top half of rolls. Top sandwich with other half of the roll, pressing down gently to compress.

8. For tortas, serve as-is, or toast in a panini press or in a hot oven for a few minutes if desired.

9. For pambazos, place enchilada sauce in a large bowl. Transfer sandwiches to bowl one at a time and spoon sauce over them until completely coated. Transfer to a panini press and grill until toasted and sauce is lightly charred, about 4 minutes. Serve immediately.

Recipe and image adapted from: https://www.seriouseats.com/mexican-fried-eggplant-sandwich-vegan-tortas-pambazos-recipe