FOOD NEWS
You Don’t Require A Panini Press To Make Warm Cuban Sandwiches
BY STEPHANIE MAIDA
A Cuban sandwich is a delicious hot sandwich that is traditionally made using a panini press. However, you don’t actually need this tool to press down your Cubano as it cooks.
You can make a Cubano by placing it in a hot pan, then using another heavy pot or pan to weigh it down, compressing the layers and giving it maximum contact with the heat.
You can also place a heavy pan lid on the sandwich to press the whole thing down, as long as the lid is flat enough to distribute even weight onto the Cubano.
Assemble your Cubano, spread the outer crusts of the bread with butter, and place it in a preheated pan. Carefully place your pot on or pan on top and apply gentle pressure.
Keep pressing and cooking until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden and crispy, then flip and repeat. If you end up missing the grill marks on your sandwich, use a grill.
Tightly wrap the Cuban sandwich in aluminum foil, set it on the grill, and occasionally press down on it with a spatula as it cooks. Grill both sides evenly before unwrapping.
You'll have a delicious Cubano with compressed layers of roast pork, sliced ham, Swiss cheese, dill pickles, and yellow mustard, plus a more authentic appearance from the grill.