RECIPES

An authentic Cuban sandwich, also known as a Cubano, is a delicious sandwich that originated in Cuba and is now popular all around the world. Here is a simple recipe to make an authentic 

Cuban sandwich at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf Cuban bread or French bread
• 1/2 lb thinly sliced ham
• 1/2 lb thinly sliced roast pork
• 1/4 lb thinly sliced Swiss cheese
• 1/4 lb thinly sliced dill pickles
• Yellow mustard
• Softened butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat a panini press or a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Slice the Cuban bread or French bread into two equal halves and spread yellow mustard on both halves.
3. On one half of the bread, layer the ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, and pickles.
4. Place the other half of the bread on top of the sandwich ingredients and spread softened butter on the outside of the top and bottom halves of the bread.
5. Place the sandwich on the panini press or in the skillet and press down gently.
6. Cook the sandwich for 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the bread is crispy and golden brown and the cheese is melted.
7. Remove the sandwich from the panini press or skillet and let it cool for a minute or two.
8. Slice the sandwich in half diagonally and serve immediately.

So go ahead, take a bite of this bad boy and let the flavors transport you straight to the streets of Havana. Just try not to embarrass yourself with all the moaning and groaning of pleasure that's sure to follow. 

This sandwich is no joke - it's the real deal.

Enjoy your delicious and authentic Cuban sandwich!

Here is a simple recipe for air fryer plantains:

Ingredients:

• 2 ripe plantains
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Peel the plantains and cut them into 1-inch (2.5 cm) thick slices.
3. In a bowl, toss the plantain slices with olive oil until they are evenly coated.
4. Place the plantain slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not touching each other.
5. Sprinkle salt over the plantain slices.
6. Air fry the plantains for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
7. Remove the plantain slices from the air fryer and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious air fryer plantains as a snack or side dish!

Get ready to embark on a flavorful journey with "Sabor Cubano: Papas Rellenas Fiesta!"

Papas Rellenas are a traditional Cuban snack of fried mashed potato balls, filled with ground beef and other fillings for a delicious appetizer or main dish.

Ingredients:

• 6 large potatoes (russet or Yukon Gold)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 small green bell pepper, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 6 pitted olives, chopped
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• Vegetable oil for frying

Step 1: Boil and Mash the Potatoes In a lively pot of boiling water, add a pinch of salt and drop in the potatoes. Let them simmer until tender and easily pierced with a fork. Drain and let them cool slightly. Then, peel the potatoes and mash them into a fluffy cloud of deliciousness. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cuban Fiesta Filling Heat up your dancing skillet with a drizzle of olive oil. Toss in the ground beef and let it sizzle and brown, releasing mouthwatering aromas. Add the diced onions, green bell peppers, and minced garlic, creating a vibrant salsa of flavors. Sprinkle in cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper, and let the spices perform their magic. Stir in the chopped olives, and let the filling cool down a bit.

Step 3: Shape the Flavorful Potato Balls Envision creating little edible treasures! Take a handful of mashed potatoes and flatten it in your palm, creating a potato disc. Place a spoonful of the savory beef filling in the center. Now, wrap the mashed potato around the filling, forming a perfect ball. Repeat until you've crafted six scrumptious potato balls.

Step 4: Coat the Fiesta Balls Prepare a festive assembly line! Dip each potato ball into the beaten eggs, making sure they are fully coated. Then, roll them through the breadcrumbs, ensuring a crunchy fiesta coating. Let the flavors mingle and the coatings embrace the potato balls.

Step 5: Fry to Fiery Perfection In a deep pot, pour vegetable oil, enough to immerse the potato balls. Heat the oil to a sizzling temperature, like the vibrant Cuban spirit! Gently place the coated potato balls into the shimmering oil. 

Watch them fry to a golden brown, creating a symphony of crispiness. Once they achieve a tantalizing hue, carefully transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

Step 6: Revel in the Cuban Papas Rellenas Fiesta Gather your amigos and amigas, and let the flavors of Cuba ignite your taste buds! With each bite, experience the crispy exterior giving way to a luscious, beefy center, bursting with Cuban flair. Serve these lively treats as appetizers, party snacks, or alongside a vibrant Cuban meal. Let the salsa music play and celebrate the joy of Cuban cuisine!

Now that you've conquered the art of Cuban-style Papas Rellenas, embrace the spirit of Cuba and share this vibrant recipe with others.

 Que rico! 

Enjoy your Papas Rellenas Fiesta!