New Nordic Torta Cubana

Ingredients

In this New Nordic adaptation, the traditional Cuban bread is replaced with dense and flavorful rye bread, adding a distinct Nordic touch. The pork is slow-cooked with Nordic spices and herbs, infusing it with a unique flavor profile. Additionally, the pickled vegetables are made using Nordic ingredients such as lingonberries and dill, giving them a refreshing twist. We alse have the original recipe for Torta Cubana, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, boneless 500g (1.1 lb) pork shoulder, boneless
• 1 tablespoon Nordic spice blend (a mix of juniper berries, caraway seeds, and thyme) 1 tablespoon Nordic spice blend (a mix of juniper berries, caraway seeds, and thyme)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 slices of rye bread 4 slices of rye bread
• 4 tablespoons lingonberry jam 4 tablespoons lingonberry jam
• 4 tablespoons mustard sauce (a mix of Dijon mustard and honey) 4 tablespoons mustard sauce (a mix of Dijon mustard and honey)
• 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh dill, for garnish Fresh dill, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1884 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 15g, 4g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 45g, 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Fiber: 6g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 160°C (320°F).
2. 2.
   Rub the pork shoulder with the Nordic spice blend, sea salt, and black pepper.
3. 3.
   Place the seasoned pork shoulder in a roasting pan and cover with foil.
4. 4.
   Slow-cook the pork in the preheated oven for 3-4 hours, until it is tender and easily shredded.
5. 5.
   Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes. Then, shred the pork using two forks.
6. 6.
   Toast the rye bread slices until they are slightly crispy.
7. 7.
   Spread lingonberry jam on two slices of rye bread and mustard sauce on the other two slices.
8. 8.
   Layer the shredded pork, cucumber slices, and red onion on top of the lingonberry jam.
9. 9.
   Place the mustard sauce-covered bread slices on top to complete the sandwich.
10. 10.
    Cut the sandwich into halves or quarters and garnish with fresh dill.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Rye bread — Opt for a dense and hearty rye bread with a strong flavor to enhance the Nordic twist of the dish.
• Nordic spice blend — If you can't find a pre-made Nordic spice blend, you can create your own by combining equal parts of crushed juniper berries, caraway seeds, and dried thyme.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra Nordic touch, serve the sandwich with a side of pickled herring or smoked salmon.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add a few slices of pickled jalapenos to the sandwich.
• Experiment with different types of mustard to find your favorite flavor combination.
• To save time, you can use store-bought lingonberry jam and mustard sauce.
• For a vegetarian version, substitute the pork with marinated and grilled tofu or tempeh.

Serving advice

Serve the New Nordic Torta Cubana as a hearty lunch or dinner. Accompany it with a side of mixed greens or a traditional Nordic beetroot salad for a complete meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the visual appeal, cut the sandwich into halves or quarters and arrange them on a wooden serving board. Garnish with sprigs of fresh dill for a pop of color.