Pan con Pavo Salvadoreño
A beloved Salvadoran sandwich featuring slow-cooked turkey (pavo) marinated in a rich, aromatic sauce, served on a soft roll with a variety of fresh toppings. It's a popular street food and celebratory dish.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1.5 kg Turkey (whole or parts like thighs/legs)
- 4 cups Water
- 2 medium Onions(chopped)
- 4 medium Tomatoes(chopped)
- 6 cloves Garlic cloves(minced)
- 1 medium Bell pepper(chopped)
- 2 tbsp Achiote (annatto) powder or paste
- 1 tsp Cumin
- 1 tsp Oregano
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 8 pieces Salvadoran rolls (panes)
- as needed Shredded lettuce
- as needed Sliced tomatoes
- as needed Pickled onions
- as needed Mayonnaise
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
In a large pot, combine the turkey pieces with enough water to cover. Add salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for about 1.5 hours, or until the turkey is very tender.
⏱️ 1 hour 30 minutes - 2
While the turkey is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a blender, combine chopped onions, tomatoes, garlic, bell pepper, achiote, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add about 1 cup of the turkey cooking liquid.
💡 Tip: Blend until smooth. - 3
Once the turkey is tender, remove it from the pot. Strain the cooking liquid and reserve about 2 cups.
- 4
Shred the cooked turkey meat using two forks or your hands. Place the shredded turkey back into the pot.
💡 Tip: Ensure no bones are left in the shredded meat. - 5
Pour the blended sauce over the shredded turkey. Add about 1.5 cups of the reserved turkey cooking liquid. Stir well to coat the turkey evenly.
- 6
Simmer the turkey in the sauce over low heat for another 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded.
⏱️ 30-45 minutes💡 Tip: The turkey should be very tender and coated in a rich, flavorful sauce. - 7
To assemble the sandwiches, slice the Salvadoran rolls horizontally. Spread a generous amount of mayonnaise on the bottom half.
- 8
Pile a generous portion of the saucy shredded turkey onto the bottom half of the roll.
💡 Tip: Ensure you get plenty of the delicious sauce with the turkey. - 9
Top with shredded lettuce, sliced tomatoes, and pickled onions. Place the top half of the roll on top.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓The achiote gives the dish its characteristic reddish-orange color and a mild flavor.
- ✓For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a finely minced jalapeño to the sauce.
- ✓This dish is often prepared for special occasions and family gatherings.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Some recipes use chicken instead of turkey.
- Add a layer of refried beans to the sandwich for extra heartiness.
- Serve with a side of curtido (Salvadoran cabbage slaw) for a more complete meal.