"The Cubano-A Southeastern Sandwich Classic"

"Cuban Sandwich"

As you can see, the love of sandwiches has continued this week—from the deliciousness of "Pulled Pork" to the incredible merging of sweet and savory with the "Monte Cristo"

Now though I bring you that most delectable of Miami favorites, the "Cubano" or "Cuban Sandwich"

 

"Cubano"

As with Cuban bread, the origin of the Cuban sandwich (sometimes called a "Cuban mix," a "mixto," a "Cuban pressed sandwich," or a "Cubano") is murky and somewhat intriguing...

In the late 1800s and early 1900s, travel between Cuba and Florida was easy, especially from Key West and Tampa, and Cubans frequently sailed back and forth for employment, pleasure, and family visits...

"Cuban Pressed Sandwich"

Because of this constant and largely undocumented movement of people, culture and ideas, it is impossible to say exactly when or where the Cuban sandwich originated.—it's rumored, though, to have originated in Cuba or Key West before spreading in popularity from Tampa to Miami...

Wherever it came from, and whatever it's origins, you almost have to stop to try one in "Versailles" or another eatery in "Little Havana" just to indulge in some of the local flavor...

"Crashing Waves along the Keys"

If traveling to the sandy shores of Florida is out of the question though, why not sit back comfortably in your own home and try my very own tasty take on this Southeastern classic...

I think you'll find it to be oh so "Definitely Delish"

 

 

"Cuban Sammie"

"Classic Cuban Sandwich"

Ingredients:
8 oz. Brown Sugar Baked Pit Ham, sliced (see recipe section)
12 oz. Roasted Marinated Pork Shoulder, sliced (see recipe section)
8 oz. Emmentaler Swiss Cheese, thinly sliced
6 Half-Sour Dill Pickles, thinly sliced lengthwise
1 cup Sweet Cream Butter, softened
3 tablespoons Yellow Mustard, for brushing
3 tablespoons Mayonnaise, for brushing
6 (six to 9 inches long) soft Baguettes or Club rolls, split
lengthwise (If Cuban bread is unavailable)

"Cubano Sandwich"

Directions:
1. Heat a large cast-iron griddle or panini press. Add the ham slices to the griddle and cook over moderate heat, turning once, until browned in spots, about 1 minute. Transfer ham to a plate...
2. Generously butter the cut sides of each baguette(roll) and toast on the griddle over moderate heat until lightly browned, 1 to 2 minutes...
3. Transfer the baguettes to a work surface and generously brush the top cut sides with 2 teaspoons of mustard, and the bottom cut sides with 2 teaspoons of mayonnaise...
4. Layer the ham, emmentaler Swiss cheese, pickles  and pork on to each baguette and close the sandwiches...
5. Generously brush the outside of the sandwiches with more butter and set them on the griddle or press; if using a griddle, top the sandwiches with a large baking sheet and weigh it down with heavy cans or a cast-iron skillet...
6. Now cook the sandwiches over moderate heat until they’re browned and crisp on the outside and the cheese is melted, 3 minutes per side on a griddle or 3 minutes total in a press. Cut the "Cubanos" in half and serve while hot with some Yucca fries with banana ketchup or chips...

Notes:
Additional Recipes:

"Yucca Fries with Banana Ketchup"

"Yucca Fries with Banana Ketchup"

Ingredients:
Ketchup:
2 large ripe bananas, peeled and chopped
1 1/2 cups vegetable stock
1 small onion, halved and thinly sliced
1/2 cup water
4 whole pickled jalapeños, stems discarded, plus 2 tablespoon pickling liquid from the jar
1/4 cup thinly sliced garlic cloves
3 tablespoons finely chopped peeled fresh ginger
1 cup ketchup
1 cup lightly packed Basil
Sea Salt and Pepper

Fries:
3 pounds yucca (about 4 yucca)
Peanut oil, for frying
Sea Salt
Lime wedges, for serving

"Yucca Fries"

Directions:
Ketchup:
1. In a medium saucepan, combine the bananas with the vegetable stock, onion, water, pickled jalapeño, garlic and ginger and bring to a boil...
2. Simmer over moderate heat, stirring, until the bananas and onion are very tender, 15 minutes. Transfer to a blender and let cool slightly. Add the ketchup, basil and the jalapeño pickling liquid and puree until smooth...
3. Scrape the banana ketchup into a bowl and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes...
Fries:
1. Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil. Peel the yucca and cut into 3-inch lengths. Cut the lengths into 1/2-inch-thick wedges. Cook the yucca in the boiling water until tender, 10 to 15 minutes...
2. Drain well and spread on a baking sheet to cool and dry; discard any stringy pieces of yucca...
3. In a large saucepan, heat 1 1/2 inches of oil to 360 degrees. Set a rack over a baking sheet. Working in batches, fry the yucca, stirring gently to separate the wedges, until golden brown and crisp, 5 to 7 minutes...
4. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the wedges to the rack and season generously with salt. Serve right away with the banana ketchup and lime wedges...

"Waves Breaking Along the Florida Gulf"