The Perfect Cuban Sandwich Recipe

Introduction

The Cuban sandwich, also known as the Cubano, is a classic and delicious sandwich that originated in Cuba and later gained popularity in Florida. It’s a mouthwatering combination of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between crusty bread. This easy and flavorful recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner. So let’s get started!

Ingredients

For the sandwich:
– 500 grams (1.1 pounds) roasted pork, thinly sliced
– 200 grams (7 ounces) ham, thinly sliced
– 150 grams (5.3 ounces) Swiss cheese, thinly sliced
– 4 dill pickles, thinly sliced
– 4 tablespoons yellow mustard
– 4 Cuban bread rolls (or substitute with French bread rolls)

For the marinade:
– 4 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup orange juice
– 1/4 cup lime juice
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the marinade

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the roasted pork slices in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Make sure the pork is well-coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Assemble the sandwiches

1. Preheat a panini press, grill pan, or a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Cut the Cuban bread rolls in half lengthwise, and spread mustard on both sides.
3. Layer the ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles evenly on the bottom halves of the rolls.
4. Place the top halves of the rolls on the sandwiches, pressing them down gently.

Step 3: Press and grill the sandwiches

1. If using a panini press, place the sandwiches inside and press them down until they are nicely flattened and heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
2. If using a grill pan or skillet, place the sandwiches on the pan/skillet and weigh them down with a heavy object (such as a cast-iron pan or a brick wrapped in foil).
3. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the bread is toasted and the cheese is melted.

Step 4: Serve and enjoy

1. Remove the sandwiches from the panini press, grill pan, or skillet and let them cool for a minute or two.
2. Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and serve them hot.
3. Enjoy your delicious homemade Cuban sandwiches!

Notes/Tips

• If you don’t have access to Cuban bread rolls, you can use French bread rolls as a substitute. Just make sure they are crusty and light.
• For extra flavor, you can add thinly sliced red onions or jalapeños to the sandwich fillings.
• Don’t skip the marinating step for the pork. It adds a lot of flavor and helps tenderize the meat.

Conclusion

The Cuban sandwich is a classic and delectable combination of flavors that will surely satisfy your cravings. With this easy recipe, you can whip up a mouthwatering Cuban sandwich right in your own kitchen. Enjoy the perfect blend of roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, all pressed between crusty bread. Give it a try and treat yourself to a taste of Cuba!

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of bread for this sandwich?
Yes, you can use French bread rolls as a substitute if you can’t find Cuban bread rolls. Just make sure they are crusty and light for the best texture.

2. How long does the marinade need to be refrigerated?
For the best flavor, marinate the pork in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. If you have more time, marinating overnight will further enhance the flavors.

3. Can I add other ingredients to the sandwich?
Absolutely! You can customize your Cuban sandwich by adding thinly sliced red onions, jalapeños, or even avocado for extra flavor and texture.

4. Can I make the sandwiches in advance and reheat them?
While it’s best to enjoy Cuban sandwiches fresh, you can make them in advance and reheat them in a panini press or skillet. Just be mindful that the bread may not be as crisp as when freshly made.

5. Can I use different types of cheese for this sandwich?
While Swiss cheese is traditionally used in Cuban sandwiches, you can experiment with other cheeses like cheddar or provolone for different flavor profiles.