Cuban Sandwich

By garciamoss

Ingredients

• ROASTED PORK LOIN:
• One 2 1/2-pound boneless pork loin roast
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Kosher salt and cracked black pepper
• MOJO SPREAD:
• 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon cilantro leaves, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lime
• CUBAN SANDWICH:
• 4 Cuban or Portuguese rolls, split lengthwise
• 3 tablespoons whole-grain mustard
• Pinch salt
• 4 ounces ham, thinly sliced
• 4 ounces Swiss cheese, sliced
• 2 large dill pickles, thinly sliced
• 2 to 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Details

Adapted from cookingchanneltv.com

Preparation

Step 1

For the pork loin: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Drizzle the oil over the pork and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper. Transfer the pork to a rack over a heavy-bottomed roasting pan. Roast the pork until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the loin reads 140 degrees F, about 1 hour. Let the pork rest for 10 minutes, and then reserve 1 1/4 pounds for the sandwich. Slice 1/4-inch thick. Reserve the remaining pork for another recipe.

For the mojo spread: Add the mayonnaise, oil, cilantro, salt, garlic and lime juice to a bowl and stir until evenly combined and spreadable.

For the sandwich: Heat a large, 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

Spread the top half of each of the rolls with 2 tablespoons of the mojo spread and 2 teaspoons mustard. Layer the bottom half of the rolls with pork, seasoning it with a pinch of salt. Top with the ham, cheese and pickles. Place the top half of the roll over the bottom half.

Brush the skillet with the butter, place 2 sandwiches in the skillet and brush the top half with butter. Place another cast-iron pan on top of the sandwiches with a heavy can to press down. Alternatively, you can use a panini press. Cook until the bread becomes golden brown on one side, and then flip and repeat on the other side, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Cook the remaining 2 sandwiches.