Chola Sandwiches are a traditional Bolivian street food originating from the city of La Paz. These delicious sandwiches are known for their unique combination of crispy bread and flavorful fillings, typically including pork, vegetables, and a variety of spices. The term 'chola' refers to the indigenous women of Bolivia, who...
Ingredients
small pork leg1
lemons2
garlic cloves6- hot red pepper pods (seedless)4
baking soda1tsp
onions3
tomatoes2- bread rolls (loaves)15
- Pickled onions and carrots (to taste)
ground pepper1tsp
ground cumin1tsp
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
0.5kcal (0.03%)
Protein
0.0g (0.06%)
Carbs
0.1g (0.05%)
Sugars
0.0g
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
How to make Chola Sandwiches
Prepare the Pork
- Step 1
Soak the pork leg overnight in salted water.
Make the Marinade
- Step 1
In a bowl, blend the seedless red chili peppers with the garlic, pepper, and cumin to create a paste.
Marinate the Pork
- Step 1
Wash the pork leg thoroughly. Rub the chili-garlic mixture all over the pork leg and let it marinate.
Prepare the Skin
- Step 1
Just before cooking, mix lemon juice with baking soda and rub it over the pork skin to help it become crispy when roasted.
Air-Dry Before Roasting
- Step 1
Place the marinated pork leg on a baking tray and let it sit in the sun for 10 minutes
Roast the Pork
- Step 1
Preheat the oven to medium heat (about 180°C / 350°F) and roast the pork leg for approximately 60 minutes or until fully cooked and tender.
Slice and Assemble
- Step 1
Once cooked, remove from the oven and slice the pork thinly.
- Step 2
In a bowl, mix thinly julienned onions and tomatoes to make a simple salad.
Assemble the Sandwiches
- Step 1
Cut open the loaves.
- Step 2
Fill each with slices of roasted pork, a portion of onion-tomato salad, pickled onions and carrots, and, optionally, some Llajwa hot sauce.
Nutrition (per serving)
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories
0.5kcal (0.03%)
Protein
0.0g (0.06%)
Carbs
0.1g (0.05%)
Sugars
0.0g
Healthy Fat
0.0g
Unhealthy Fat
0.0g
% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet
Tips & Tricks
Let the pork rest for 10 minutes after roasting to keep it juicy when sliced.
Use fresh lemon juice and baking soda only just before roasting to achieve a crispy skin.
Lightly toast the bread rolls for added texture and flavor.
FAQS
Can I use another cut of pork besides the leg?
Yes, but the leg offers a balance of lean and fatty meat. Shoulder can also work well if you're aiming for tenderness.
Can I prepare the pork a day ahead?
Yes, you can roast the pork in advance and reheat it before assembling the sandwiches.
What kind of bread is best?
Crispy bread rolls or small crusty loaves work best to hold the fillings without getting soggy.
How should I store leftover sandwiches?
Best consumed fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat before serving.
What can I serve with Chola Sandwiches?
Serve with a side of extra llajwa and a cold Bolivian beer for a complete experience.
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