A Cuban Sandwich, sometimes called a cubano, is a Latin variation on a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. It was brought to the United States by Cuban immigrants who settled in Florida. This undeniably delicious sandwich is grilled and made with ham, pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, mustard and Cuban bread. The essential ingredient is the roasted pork.
History of the Cuban Sandwich:
By the 1930s, Cuban sandwiches were everyday fare on cafeteria and restaurant menus. There are indications that these sandwiches were eaten as early as the turn of the century and were well-liked by the sugar mill workers; so much so that cafés set up shop in the mills to sell the sandwiches during breaks.
Components of a Cuban Sandwich:
Traditionally, Cuban sandwiches are made with Cuban bread. The bread is cut lengthwise and buttered on both sides for browning during the grilling process. Mustard, dill pickles, roast pork, ham, and Swiss cheese are sliced and layered for the filling. The slow roasted pork, marinated in mojo, is the key ingredient. The sandwich is then lightly grilled in a plancha (sandwich press) until the cheese is melted and the bread toasted. The sandwich should be compressed to about 1/3 of its original size.
Variations of a Cuban Sandwich:
Mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomatoes are not part of a traditional Cuban sandwich, but if you like them go ahead and add them. This is called a Key West Mix, a nontraditional version of the sandwich.
In northern parts of the United States, a variant take on the sandwich involves making the sandwich with panini bread.
Genoa salami is added to the sandwich in Tampa, Florida. This divergence from tradition is unique to that area. Local sandwich makers accommodated their Italian customers by adding the salami to the sandwich.
