Cuban Sandwiches

yield: 6-8 sandwiches, depending on size

CUBAN SANDWICHES {SLOW COOKER OR PRESSURE COOKER}

PREP TIME: 10 MINS

COOK TIME: 8-9 HOURS (SLOW COOKER), 55 MINS (PRESSURE COOKER)

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INGREDIENTS:

PORK:

·         1 tablespoon coarse, kosher salt

·         1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper (use less for finely ground black pepper)

·         1 tablespoon ground cumin

·         1 tablespoon dried oregano

·         Pinch of red pepper flakes

·         4 cloves garlic, finely minced

·         Juice of 2 limes (about 3 tablespoons)

·         Juice of 1 large or 2 medium oranges (about 1/2 cup)

·         1/2 cup chicken broth (only needed if using a pressure cooker)

·         3 to 5 pounds boneless pork sirloin roast or pork shoulder roast, excess skin/fat removed, cut into 3- or 4-inch cubes

SANDWICHES:

·         4-inch (or so) soft sub rolls or hoagie buns (see note)

·         Yellow mustard

·         Deli ham slices

·         Swiss cheese slices

·         Dill pickles, thinly sliced

·         Red onions, thinly sliced

DIRECTIONS:

1.        For the pork, in a small bowl, mix together the salt, pepper, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, garlic, lime juice, and orange juice.

2.        FOR THE SLOW COOKER: place the pork in the bottom of the slow cooker and pour the spice mixture over the top, tossing to evenly coat the pork. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8-9 hours, until the pork is tender and shreds easily.

3.        FOR THE PRESSURE COOKER: place the pork in the bottom of the pressure cooker and pour the spice mixture and chicken broth over the top, tossing to evenly coat the pork. Seal the lid of the pressure cooker and cook on high pressure for 55 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release the remaining pressure.

4.        Shred the pork into pieces and return to the slow cooker or pressure cooker (with any remaining juices) to keep warm while assembling the sandwiches.

5.        For the sandwiches, slice each roll/bun in half lengthwise and spread mustard on both cut halves. On the bottom half, layer ham, Swiss cheese, shredded pork, pickles and onions. If desired, the sandwich can be grilled or pressed in a panini griddle for a hot, melty version (if doing so, slap cheese on both halves of the bread before assembling). Serve immediately.

NOTES:

An authentic Cuban sandwich is usually served on Cuban bread, which, thanks to a google search, is soft and often made with lard (so it crisps up without getting super tough and hard). I don’t have a Latin bakery close to me, and I haven’t tried my hand at Cuban bread yet, because these French bread rolls (whole wheat version here) always do the trick for a delicious Cuban sandwich. I make them slightly bigger (about 3 to 3.5 ounces of dough per bun) and longer, similar to a hoagie bun shape. Soft and super delicious. I’m sure a variety of soft, storebought rolls or buns would work here as well. 

Also, if you make the full five pounds of pork, you’ll get a lot more than eight sandwiches. I almost always make a full five pounds for this recipe because the leftover pork freezes so well – which means easy, delicious sandwiches later, OR, we use the leftover pork in tacos, enchiladas, for salads, etc.

Finally, if your slow cooker tends to cook hot (even on the low setting), you might want to add the 1/2 cup chicken broth, intended for the pressure cooker method, so the pork doesn’t dry out while cooking.