National picnic week calls for extraordinary flavors, and what could be better than diving into a truly delicious Mexican Sandwich, the Pambazo? This isn’t just any sandwich; it’s a taste of Mexico packed into a roll, perfect for your outdoor adventures or a flavorful lunch at home.
Close-up of a Mexican Pambazo Sandwich showcasing its vibrant filling and sauce-dipped bread.
The Soul of the Pambazo: A Flavorful Filling
The magic of the Pambazo lies in its harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Imagine biting into a sandwich where spicy chorizo meets soft potatoes, all enhanced by the freshness of lettuce and avocado, and a creamy, cheesy touch. This Mexican sandwich is a journey for your taste buds.
Ingredients for Pambazo filling including chorizo, potatoes, onions, and spices laid out on a wooden surface.
Here’s what you need to create the authentic Pambazo filling:
- Potato: Cubed and boiled until tender, providing a soft and comforting base.
- Chorizo: Roughly chopped, adding a spicy and savory depth that’s quintessentially Mexican.
- Onion: Sliced, lending a sharp and aromatic note that balances the richness of the chorizo.
- Oregano & Paprika: These classic spices bring warmth and a touch of earthiness, defining the Mexican flavor profile.
- Mexicana Cheddar & Sour Cream: A creamy and spicy topping, substituting traditional Mexican cheese for accessibility while maintaining authentic taste.
- Lettuce: Sliced, for a refreshing crunch that contrasts beautifully with the warm filling.
- Avocado: Sliced, offering a creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the spice and richness.
Traditionally, a Mexican Pambazo Sandwich uses Mexican cream and cheese. However, achieving a similar creamy and cheesy element in this recipe is made easy by combining grated Mexicana Cheddar with sour cream, creating the perfect topping for your sandwich.
Slices of fresh avocado, a key ingredient in the Pambazo sandwich filling, ready to add creamy texture.
The Secret Weapon: Pambazo Dipping Sauce
What truly sets this Mexican sandwich apart is the dipping sauce. Instead of brushing the bread with sauce as in some traditional recipes, serving it as a dipping sauce allows for perfect picnic portability. You can easily pack it in a small container and dip as you eat!
This vibrant dipping sauce is surprisingly simple to make:
- Guajillo Chillies: (or your preferred dried chillies) provide the authentic Mexican heat and smoky flavor.
- Garlic Clove & Red Onion: These aromatics deepen the flavor of the sauce, creating a savory base.
Simply simmer the chillies, garlic, and onion in boiling water to soften and meld their flavors. Then, blend them with a bit of the cooking water until smooth. This sauce is the key to an unforgettable Mexican sandwich experience.
Craving More Sandwich Adventures?
If you’re a sandwich enthusiast like me, you’ll love exploring sandwiches from around the globe. From unique fillings to diverse bread types and condiments, sandwiches are a universal language of flavor.
Perhaps you’d be interested in venturing beyond Mexico? Explore flavors from Korea with Gilgeori toast, the robust tastes of Argentina with ARGENTIAN CHORIPÁN, or the innovative Japanese Katsu onigirazu. Each offers a unique taste of its culture, just like this Mexican Pambazo Sandwich.
Ready to Make Your Own Mexican Pambazo Sandwich?
Smaller, square image of the Mexican Pambazo Sandwich, ideal for thumbnails or smaller displays.
This recipe makes one satisfying Mexican sandwich, perfect for a single serving or easily multiplied for a crowd.
Mexican Pambazo Sandwich Recipe
By Emily Roz
Ingredients:
- 1 bread roll, sliced in half
- Handful of shredded lettuce
- ½ avocado, sliced
- ¼ chorizo, roughly sliced
- 2 medium-sized boiled potatoes, roughly chopped
- ½ red onion, sliced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 3 dry chillies, preferably Guajillo chillies
- 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
- ½ red onion, roughly chopped (for sauce)
- A handful of grated Mexicana Cheddar
- 1 tablespoon sour cream
Instructions:
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the chillies, ½ red onion (for sauce), and garlic. Cover with 200ml of boiling water and let it sit for 15 minutes to soften.
- Blend the Sauce: Remove the softened ingredients from the water and place them in a blender with 50ml of the chilli water. Blend until completely smooth, adding more water if needed to reach desired consistency. Set aside in a small container for dipping.
- Cook the Filling: Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the sliced ½ onion, chorizo, boiled potatoes, cumin, oregano, and paprika. Fry for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until well combined and heated through.
- Make the Cheese Mixture: In a separate small bowl, combine the grated Mexicana Cheese and sour cream. Mix well to create a creamy cheese topping.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Place the bottom half of the bread roll on baking paper or tin foil. Spoon on the chorizo and potato filling, followed by shredded lettuce, avocado slices, and the cheese mixture. Top with the other half of the roll.
- Wrap and Serve: Wrap the Mexican sandwich securely. Remember to pack the dipping sauce separately. Enjoy your flavorful Pambazo!
Let me know how you liked this recipe!
