Cuban-Inspired Loaded Sandwich

Ingredients

• 1 pound (450g) roasted pork, thinly sliced 1 pound (450g) roasted pork, thinly sliced
• 8 slices of ham 8 slices of ham
• 8 slices of Swiss cheese 8 slices of Swiss cheese
• 1 cup (240ml) dill pickles, thinly sliced 1 cup (240ml) dill pickles, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) yellow mustard 1/4 cup (60ml) yellow mustard
• 4 crusty bread rolls 4 crusty bread rolls
• 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 520 kcal / 2176 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 24g, 10g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 38g, 4g
• Protein: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat a panini press or a large skillet over medium heat.
2. 2.
   Slice the crusty bread rolls in half horizontally.
3. 3.
   Spread mustard on the bottom half of each roll.
4. 4.
   Layer the roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles on top of the mustard.
5. 5.
   Place the top half of the rolls on the sandwich.
6. 6.
   Brush the outer sides of the rolls with olive oil.
7. 7.
   Place the sandwiches in the panini press or skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted.
8. 8.
   Remove from heat and let the sandwiches rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. 9.
   Cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and serve warm.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Roasted pork — For the most tender and flavorful roasted pork, marinate it overnight in a mixture of citrus juices, garlic, cumin, oregano, and salt before cooking.
• Swiss cheese — If you prefer a stronger flavor, you can substitute the Swiss cheese with Gruyere or Emmental cheese.
• Crusty bread rolls — Look for rolls with a crispy crust and a soft interior to achieve the perfect texture for the sandwich.

Tips & Tricks

• To add a touch of sweetness, you can spread a thin layer of mayonnaise on the bread before adding the mustard.
• For a spicier kick, you can add sliced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the sandwich.
• If you don't have a panini press, you can use a heavy skillet and place a weight on top of the sandwich to achieve the same pressed effect.
• For a vegetarian version, you can substitute the roasted pork and ham with grilled vegetables and add a slice of grilled halloumi cheese for a satisfying alternative.
• Serve the sandwich with a side of plantain chips or yuca fries for a complete Cuban-inspired meal.

Serving advice

Serve the Cuban-inspired loaded sandwich warm, either as a standalone meal or accompanied by a side dish. Cut it in half diagonally to showcase the layers of delicious fillings.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can wrap the sandwich in parchment paper or butcher's paper, securing it with twine or a decorative band. This will give it a rustic and inviting look.