When I was asked to write about Garces’ latest cookbook, The Latin Road Home, I immediately jumped at the chance. I couldn’t wait to dig in, especially since it spanned all the Latin cultures that quintessentially formed Garces’ cooking—many of which I too have visited. This book covers the culinary traditions of Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Cuba, and Spain and not only delves into the recipes but is full of the history and background of these places and how they are forever intertwined.

Jose Garces’ Cuban Sandwich
This recipe was taken with permission from The Latin Road Home
Ingredients
For the Roast Pork:
- 3 tablespoons kosher salt (divided)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground mustard
- 2 pounds pork shoulder, tied in an even roll
- 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground mace (I couldn't find mace so I used ground allspice)
- 2 tablespoons ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon smoked sweet paprika (I couldn't find smoked sweet paprika so I used just sweet paprika)
For the Sandwich:
- 4 (6-inch) light, crisp-crusted bakery rolls
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 12 ounces best-quality domestic ham (unglazed), thinly sliced
- 4 ounces Swiss or Gruyére cheese, thinly sliced
- 1 large dill pickle, thinly sliced lengthwise
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- To cure the pork, combine 2 tablespoons of the salt with the sugar and ground mustard. Rub the mixture all over the meat, cover, and set it in the refrigerator to cure for 6 hours.
- Place a rack in the middle position and preheat the oven to 325°F.
- To roast the pork, rinse it under cold running water to remove the seasoning. Pat dry with paper towels. Combine the Dijon mustard, mace, black pepper, paprika, and the remaining 1 tablespoon salt. Rub the mixture all over the meat. Set pork in a roasting pan, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 175°F, about 45 minutes (mine took more like 90 minutes). Allow the meat to cool completely before slicing.
- To make the sandwiches, heat a sandwich press or griddle (I made mine in a cast iron skillet) to medium-high. Split the bread lengthwise and pull it open. Spread the mustard on 1 side of each roll and layer on the roast pork, ham, cheese, and pickles.
- Spread the butter all over the outside of the sandwiches, and griddle until the cheese is melted and the meats are warmed throughout, 3 to 4 minutes. (Alternatively, wrap the sandwich in foil and toast in a 350°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes.) Slice each in half on the diagonal and serve.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 0Total Fat: 0g
Damn, I only wish I could have found a sandwich like this when I was in Cuba! xo – Aida
I think its more of a Miami sandwich than a Cuban sandwich. Can’t wait to hear about your trip!