Cuban Sandwiches (Print Version)

Ingredients:

01 - 4-5 lbs. pork shoulder or butt roast.
02 - Juice from 2 oranges.
03 - Juice from 2 limes.
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced.
05 - 1 Tbsp. cumin.
06 - 1 Tbsp. dried oregano.
07 - 1 tsp. cayenne pepper.
08 - 1 tsp. kosher salt.
09 - 1 tsp. black pepper.
10 - 2 Cuban bread loaves or Italian bread loaves.
11 - 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, softened.
12 - ½ lb. sliced Swiss cheese.
13 - ½ lb. sliced deli ham.
14 - 12 sandwich pickles, sliced lengthwise.
15 - Yellow mustard.

Instructions:

01 - In a bowl, combine the orange juice, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, kosher salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
02 - Place the pork shoulder in the slow cooker, the fat side should be facing up. Pour the marinade over the pork, ensuring it is well coated. Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, or until the pork is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
03 - Once cooked, remove the pork from the slow cooker and discard any fat and skim, if your pork has bones remove and discard them. Shred the pork using two forks and return the shredded pork to the slow cooker to soak up the flavorful cooking juices. Set aside.
04 - If using a panini press, preheat it to medium heat. If using a cast iron skillet, place it over medium heat.
05 - Trim the ends off of each loaf of bread and cut the loaves in half horizontally.
06 - Spread a thin layer of the softened butter on the outside of each slice of bread. On the inside of the bread, spread a generous amount of yellow mustard.
07 - On the bottom halves of the bread, layer the Swiss cheese, sliced ham, shredded pork, pickles, and then another layer of Swiss cheese. Place the top half of the bread on the sandwiches. Repeat until all the sandwiches have been assembled.
08 - Place the sandwiches in the preheated panini press and close the lid. Grill for 3-5 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
09 - Place the sandwich into the preheated skillet. Use another heavy skillet or a foil-wrapped brick to press down the sandwich. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, pressing down firmly, until the bread is golden brown and crispy and the cheese has melted. Repeat with the remaining sandwiches.
10 - Slice the sandwiches in half and serve. Enjoy with a side of chips or a fresh salad and additional pickles. Enjoy!.

Notes:

01 - A delicious Cuban sandwich made with slow-cooked, marinated pork, layered with Swiss cheese, deli ham, pickles, and yellow mustard, served on crispy bread.