You're Just A Tortilla Away From Eating Your Cubano On-The-Go
The origins of the beloved Cubano have long been debated. Residents of Tampa and Miami in South Florida both claim that their city is the birthplace of the modern version of the dish, while some food historians say that it evolved from the flatbread creations of Cuba's Taíno tribe dating back more than 500 years ago. If there's one thing everyone can agree on, however, it's that the Cubano is one darn good sandwich.
The Cuban sandwich as we know it today features layers of juicy roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and mustard — all tucked between two slices of Cuban bread, which are then pressed to perfection. The result is a crunchy, crispy outer layer with gooey cheese melting into the flavorful meats and toppings inside. It's delicious, but eating one can certainly get a little messy, considering its open sides and hearty contents. It might not be the best option for a grab-and-go meal.
But if you want to get a little creative with your Cubano, there's an easy way to make it more portable — just wrap it up in a tortilla!
How to make a Cubano wrap
While an authentic Cubano is distinguished by its bread, which is made by using lard in the dough to ensure an extra-soft middle, you can put a fresh spin on the recipe by swapping in a tortilla instead. Not only do you get to enjoy all the same yummy ingredients, but you can also keep everything more tightly packed together in your wrap. This makes for a tidier bite you can take anywhere — from lunch breaks to picnic dates — with no fear of spillage.
Here's how to make it: Simply spread mustard onto the center of the tortilla, pile on the ham, Swiss, pickles, and pork, and then fold up the sides and roll. Like the typical version of the sandwich, you can toast the completed wrap in a panini press or heat it up on a baking sheet in the oven for four to six minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
Voilà, you've now got a melty Cubano-style wrap made for easy eating on the go. And FYI: This tortilla trick can be applied to just about any of your favorite sandwiches.