Like
so many of our culinary traditions, the exact origin of the
Cuban Sandwich is a mystery. One group of aficionados - mainly
residents of Tampa, Florida - claim that the sandwich originated
in the Ybor City area of Tampa in the 1920s by Cuban expatriates
who came to the United States a few decades earlier to work
in the burgeoning cigar industry. Another contingent argues
just as strongly that the sandwich was actually developed in
Cuba as early as the turn of the century.
No
matter how or where it originated, the Cuban Sandwich
(sometimes called the "Cubano" or "mixto")
is finding its way onto more and more menus. And while the exact
ingredients are as much a point of debate as its birthplace,
there are some common ingredients that make the Cuban Sandwich
distinctive and delicious.
The
Base of the Cuban Sandwich: Cuban Bread
At its base is the slightly sweet Cuban bread. (Traditionalists
will argue that it must come from a Tampa bakery, but French
bread can be used in a pinch.) Rubbing the bread with garlic
is optional, but spreading it with butter is a must. Next comes
the sliced ham - a variety that's a little on the salty side
is preferable. Since the ham is one of the "stars"
of this sandwich, this is not the time to choose an inexpensive
deli variety.
Then
comes pulled, roasted pork: not a pork slathered in barbecue
sauce, but one that's slow-cooked with overtones of vinegar
or citrus and garlic. Pork shoulder works well here. (At this
point, some add Genoa salami, in honor of the Italian immigrants
who moved to the Tampa area.) The meat is topped with a layer
of mild Swiss cheese and a few dill pickles, sliced lengthwise.
A squirt of yellow mustard is the final touch.
The key point in bringing this sandwich together is the grilling.
The classic method uses a special grill called a plancha. A
panini grill or griddle can also be used, with a heavy weight,
such as a cast-iron pan, placed on top of the sandwich to compact
it if necessary.
Introducing
the Cuban Sandwich to Your Menu
Introducing the Cuban Sandwich to a menu is comparatively easy,
as it uses ingredients familiar to the American palate, and
the panini grill-style method of sandwich prep is everywhere
these days. And recent Technomic research shows that a significant
number of patrons would be likely to order a menu item with
a Cuban flavor profile. Promote the Cuban Sandwich as an ethnically
flavored spin on the traditional ham and cheese sandwich, and
it's bound to find a permanent place on your menu.
For
more information on sandwich techniques and trends, visit SandwichPro.com.
This
article was compiled by the trend team at Sandwichpro.com.
Related
Link:
Cubano
Sandwich
www.SandwichPro.com.