Cuban Inspired Sandwiches
Inspired by the movie “Chef”, this Cuban sandwich is just as juicy and delicious – you can’t go wrong with crusty bread, tender pork, cheese, ham and mustard- like a real Cubano, but way easier.
Ingredients
For the pork:
- 6 thinly cut boneless pork loin chops (about 300 g)
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp of the following: black pepper salt, dried garlic powder, dried thyme, paprika, dried mustard seeds
For the sandwiches:
- 1 medium sized loaf of bread enough for 3 large sandwiches or 6 slices of bread
- 1 ½ tbsp softened butter
- 1 ½ tbsp Dijon mustard or any type of mustard you like
- 6-9 thin slices of ham about 150 g
- 1-2 small pickles thinly sliced
- 6 slices of yellow cheese I like Gouda or Emmental but Swiss is good too
Instructions
To make the pork:
- Grind together the spices in a mortar and pestle or grinder and rub on both sides of each pork chop.
- Add the olive oil and butter to a pan.
- Once hot, lay on the pork chops (about 4 at a time) and cook on each side for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and tender.
- Place on a plate lined with paper towels to cool and drain off some of the oil, and set aside.
To assemble the sandwich:
- Slice the loaf of bread (unless you’re using sliced bread) into 3 equal portions.
- Spread 1 side of each portion with the butter and the other side with the mustard.
- Place 2 pieces of the pork on each side, followed by the ham, cheese and pickle slices.
- Close up the sandwich with the other side and place on a preheated grill pan that has been greased with olive oil.
- Cook for 3-5 minutes or until each side is golden brown with those beautiful grill marks, pressing down firmly. I like to place a heavy metal pan on the side up and press it down. You want to get the sandwich as compact as possible.
- You can use a panini press if you have one.
- Serve hot with some ketchup or a nice green salad.