Follow these steps for perfect results
pork shoulder
excess fat trimmed
kosher salt
to taste
black pepper
freshly ground, to taste
ground cumin
canola oil
chicken stock
orange juice
fresh
lime juice
fresh
aged sherry vinegar
garlic
cloves removed and peeled
spanish onions
peeled and coarsely chopped
bay leaves
fresh oregano
stems with leaves
clover honey
to taste
kirby cucumbers
sliced into 1/8-inch thick slices
distilled white vinegar
fresh dill
packed coarsely chopped
sugar
garlic cloves
coarsely chopped
kosher salt
dill seeds
whole mustard seeds
coriander seeds
mayonnaise
prepared
dijon mustard
roasted garlic
pureed
cuban bread
sliced 3/4 of way through
swiss cheese
thinly sliced
ham
thinly sliced
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Season the pork with salt, pepper, and cumin.
Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a large Dutch oven until it begins to shimmer.
Add the pork and cook until golden brown on all sides.
Add the stock, juices, vinegar, garlic, onions, bay leaves, and oregano, bring to a simmer.
Cover and transfer the Dutch oven to the preheated oven.
Braise until fork tender (between 180 and 190 degrees F), about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Remove from the oven and transfer the pork to a platter.
Let the pork rest for 15 minutes before slicing or shredding.
Strain the braising liquid into a medium pan.
Bring the braising liquid to a boil and reduce slightly.
Add honey, salt, and pepper to the reduced braising liquid if needed.
Toss some of the braising liquid with the shredded pork to moisten.
Put the sliced cucumber in a medium bowl with a fitted lid.
Combine 1 cup of water, the vinegar, dill, sugar, garlic, salt, dill seeds, mustard seeds, and coriander seeds in a small saucepan over high heat.
Bring the pickling liquid to a boil and cook until the sugar and salt are dissolved.
Remove from the heat and taste for tartness, adding more sugar if too sour.
Let the pickling liquid cool to room temperature.
Pour the cooled pickling liquid over the cucumbers, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours and up to 48 hours, stirring the mixture at least once.
Whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, and garlic for the aioli.
Season the aioli with salt and pepper.
Cover the aioli and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Spread both cut sides of the bread with a tablespoon or so of aioli.
Add the shredded pork, a few slices of ham, and a generous layer of pickles to the bread.
Top with a few slices of Swiss cheese.
Press the sandwiches in a hot panini grill until the outside is toasty and the cheese is melted.
Expert advice for the best results
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the pork is cooked to the correct temperature.
Adjust the amount of sugar in the pickles to your taste.
Press the sandwiches until they are golden brown and the cheese is melted.
Everything you need to know before you start
20 minutes
Pickles can be made up to 48 hours in advance.
Serve warm, cut in half, with a side of plantain chips.
Plantain chips
Black beans and rice
Pairs well with the flavors of the sandwich.
Discover the story behind this recipe
A staple in Cuban cuisine and popular in Cuban communities worldwide.
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