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 Cuban Sandwich Recipe: A Delicious Taste of Havana


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The Cuban sandwich, or "Cubano," is a mouthwatering culinary icon that originated in Cuba but has found its way to the hearts (and stomachs) of people around the world. Combining layers of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard between slices of crisp, pressed Cuban bread, this sandwich offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Here’s how to recreate this delicious masterpiece in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Sandwich:

  • Cuban bread: 1 loaf (preferably long and soft)
  • Roast pork (preferably marinated in mojo): ½ pound, thinly sliced
  • Ham: ½ pound, thinly sliced (smoked or sweet ham works best)
  • Swiss cheese: 6-8 slices
  • Pickles: Dill pickles, sliced lengthwise (about 4-6 slices per sandwich)
  • Yellow mustard: To taste
  • Butter: 2-3 tablespoons, for grilling

Optional (For Authenticity):

  • Mojo marinade: If you want to make your own roast pork, marinating it in a citrusy garlic mojo is a game-changer.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Prepare the Bread

Authentic Cuban bread is key to the perfect sandwich. It’s a long, white bread with a thin, crisp crust and soft interior. If you can’t find Cuban bread, a similar soft French or Italian loaf can work, though it won’t be quite the same.

  • Slice the bread in half horizontally.
  • Spread a generous amount of yellow mustard on both halves of the bread. Mustard is an essential component that adds tangy flavor to the sandwich.

2. Layer the Ingredients

On the bottom half of the bread:

  • First, lay down slices of ham.
  • Follow it with the roast pork, which is ideally marinated in a garlic-citrus mojo sauce (for those making their own pork).
  • Add Swiss cheese slices on top.
  • Layer the pickles (dill is the classic choice).

These ingredients come together in perfect harmony. The saltiness of the ham, the juicy roast pork, the richness of the cheese, and the sharpness of the pickles are all accentuated by the mustard.

3. Press the Sandwich

  • Close the sandwich and press down gently.
  • Spread softened butter on the outside of both slices of bread for extra crispiness.

A proper Cuban sandwich is pressed, not just toasted. If you have a panini press or sandwich grill, heat it up. If you don’t, a cast-iron skillet with a heavy object (like another skillet or a foil-wrapped brick) will do the trick.

  • Place the sandwich on the grill or skillet.
  • Press down firmly and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Flip the sandwich if using a stovetop method and repeat on the other side.

4. Serve

  • Once your Cuban sandwich is golden and crispy, take it off the heat.
  • Let it sit for a minute, then slice it diagonally for the authentic look.
  • Serve with plantain chips or yuca fries for a full Cuban-inspired meal.

Tips for the Perfect Cuban Sandwich

  • Pork prep: If you’re making the pork from scratch, marinate it overnight in mojo sauce, made with sour orange juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, and olive oil. Slow roast the pork until it’s tender and juicy, and then thinly slice it for your sandwich.

  • The bread matters: Cuban bread has a unique texture. If you can find it at a bakery, don’t skip it. It’s the soft, airy nature that crisps perfectly when pressed.

  • Don’t skimp on the press: A Cuban sandwich is defined by the crunch and texture. Pressing ensures that the bread crisps up nicely while melting the cheese and melding all the flavors together.

A Brief History of the Cuban Sandwich

While the Cuban sandwich is a staple in Cuban cuisine, it actually gained popularity in Tampa and Miami, Florida, where many Cuban immigrants settled in the early 1900s. Ybor City in Tampa is considered by many to be the birthplace of the modern Cuban sandwich, where it was initially served to Cuban cigar factory workers.

Over time, the sandwich evolved. Tampa’s version typically includes salami as a nod to the city’s Italian immigrants, while the Miami version is more straightforward, focusing solely on ham and pork. No matter the variation, the Cuban sandwich remains a symbol of Cuba’s rich cultural and culinary history.

Conclusion

The Cuban sandwich is more than just a sandwich—it’s a cultural treasure that has stood the test of time. With its blend of savory roast pork, salty ham, sharp pickles, and tangy mustard, it’s easy to see why this sandwich has won the hearts of so many. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a sandwich novice, this simple yet delicious recipe brings a taste of Cuba straight to your kitchen.

Enjoy your journey to Havana, one bite at a time!


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