The Unexpected Classic: Torta Cubana

chorizo

🥗Healthier: turkey sausage

💰Cheaper: ground beef

Turkey sausage reduces fat while maintaining flavor.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories without sacrificing taste.

ham

🥗Healthier: smoked turkey

💰Cheaper: bologna

Smoked turkey is leaner, while bologna is more affordable.

avocado

🥗Healthier: guacamole

💰Cheaper: mashed peas

Guacamole provides healthy fats, while mashed peas are budget-friendly.

Fry bacon in a pan until crispy.

Puree black beans and mix with bacon drippings to create a bean spread.

Prepare a marinade for the pork shoulder roast with garlic, soy sauce, honey, salt, and pepper.

Blend the marinade until smooth.

Pour the marinade over the pork shoulder roast in a Dutch oven and cover it.

Roast the pork in an oven preheated to 325 degrees for one hour covered, then uncover and roast for another hour to an hour and a half, basting and turning occasionally until caramelized.

After roasting, refrigerate the pork overnight for easier slicing.

Slice the roasted pork shoulder into quarter-inch slices.

Preheat another oven to 400 degrees.

Spread bean mixture liberally on the bottom half of a bolillo roll.

Layer slices of roast pork on top of the bean spread.

On the top half of the roll, spread crema.

Add slices of cheddar cheese on top of the crema.

Layer ham on top of the cheese.

Place the assembled sandwich on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about eight minutes until the cheese is melted and the roll is crispy.

Slice avocado and place three slices on top of the sandwich.

Add pickled jalapeños on top of the avocado slices.

Cut the sandwich in half to serve.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens