Best Cubano Recipes

GRILLED CUBAN SANDWICH (SANDWICH CUBANO)

Steps:

• Assemble the sandwich
• Spread 2 tablespoons of the butter on one half of the bread loaf and a thin layer of mustard on the other. Place 1 to 2 layers of ham, pork, cheese, and, finally, pickles on the buttered bread and top with the mustard-spread bread.
• Wrap the sandwich in foil
• Smear the remaining butter all over the outside of the sandwich and wrap it completely in aluminum foil.
• Press and grill the sandwich
• Heat your grill to high (550°F) and close the lid. Wait at least 15 minutes before lowering the heat to medium-high (450°F) and continuing.
• Before grilling the sandwich, press down on it with your hands to flatten it. Place the wrapped, flattened sandwich on the grill and top with a brick, grill press, or any other heavy, heat-resistant object. Close the lid and grill for 5 to 6 minutes per side.
• Remove the wrapped sandwich from the grill and take off the foil. Return the sandwich to the grill and grill for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until both pieces of bread are crispy and golden brown.
• Slice and serve
• Remove the sandwich from the grill and cut at an angle into small sandwich wedges (triangles). Place on a large platter and serve while still hot.

CUBAN ROAST PORK, PERNIL O PIERNA ASADA ESTILO CUBANO

Steps:

• 1. Buy a nice large pork shoulder or fresh ham try to buy with the skin on the fresh ham. I am doubtful you will find a pork shoulder with the skin on it but you can try.
• 2. THE NIGHT BEFORE: Take your pork shoulder or fresh ham and stab it all over making deep stabbings in the meat all over the roast. Next, take your salt and pour about two tablespoons full in your hands and rub deep all over the pork roast or fresh ham sticking your fingers in the deep stabbed holes to penetrate the salt well into the meat. Do this all around the fresh ham. You will need about 2 tablespoons of salt altogether. If it is a very large fresh ham you might need as much as three tablespoons of salt. Rubbing deep into the meat all over and into the holes made with a sharp knife. Please be careful with the knife when stabbing the pork so as to not cut yourself. Make sure your hands are dry as well as the handle of the knife when stapping the pork. You do not want your hand to slide down onto the sharp blade as I have seen happen when stabbing the pork.
• 3. After salting put the pork to a side. In a blender add the lime/lemon or sour oange juice, garlic cloves, and the seasonings bay leaf, cumin powder, oregano, pepper, 1 teaspoon salt. Blend on high until all is liquified.
• 4. This is your Cuban Mojo, pour one cup of the mojo in a jar cover and reserve for later.
• 5. Now take your pork roast and pour the rest of the sauce all over the pork roast rubbing the mojo sauce deep into the pork meat in the slits or holes. The secret is to make sure you rub your pork meat roast or fresh ham with all this lime/garlic sauce making sure it is well introduced into the meat.
• 6. When done sprinkle a little more oregano, cumin, black pepper over the entire roast again just a little sprinkle. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate until the next day for roasting.
• 7. Next day remove pork from the refrigerator let stand on the counter for at least an hour then put into a preheated 325 degree oven.
• 8. Depending on how large a roast you have roast about 3 to 4 hours or a little more.
• 9. Pour a half cup of the reserved mojo and baste your roast every hour with some of the mojo.
• 10. Roast is done when the juices run clear and the meat is tender. Do not cover with aluminum foil to roast. You can tent the roast with aluminum foil but do not crimp the edges all around. You want to roast your pork meat not steam it. I do not even tent mine.
• 11. If the roast starts to get too brown on top tent it with the foil. Take a large piece of foil and fold in half then put over the roast leaving the sides open, no crimping. A five pound roast can take as long as five or six hours slow roasting. When done remove roast from the oven take out of the pan put into another pan. Let roast hang out for a bit.
• 12. In your pan there should be lots of pan drippings. Pour them into a frying pan over medium heat and add the onions and fry them in the drippings.
• 13. Next, take a half cup of the reserved mojo from the refrigerator and pour into the onions sauteing everything for about five minutes. After about 10 minutes slice all of your roast and pour the mojo with onions all over the meat mixing it well into all of the pork meat. Serve with Cuban black beans and white rice. There is another traditional dish served with the pork, rice, and black beans. It is called Yuca (Casava). It is boiled when tender it is served with the pork, black beans, and rice. It looks like boiled potato only it is long and very starchy. It is served with a mojo sauce that is also pored over it but only lemon or lime juice and fresh garlic are used. But that is another recipe. It is a tradition to also include that dish with the Cuban roast pork dinner. Don't forget the Crispy Cuban bread and the Sangria or wine, For dessert pass a delicious flan. Buen Apetito. Enjoy.

CUBANO SANDWICH

Steps:

• Preheat a sandwich press to medium heat.
• Drizzle the onion and pepper with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Put the onion and pepper on the sandwich press, close and cook until tender and lightly browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Slice into strips.
• Brush the outside of the bottom half of the bread with some of the melted butter. Brush the inside of both halves with a generous amount of the Mojo Mustard. On the bottom half of the bread, layer the sliced deli ham and top with the carnitas. Top with the gherkins, grilled onion and peppers and finally the cheese. Top with the top half of the bread and brush with more butter. Slice in half widthwise.
• Place both halves in the sandwich press, close, press down and cook until the bread is crispy and the cheese is melted, 5 to 7 minutes. Cut in half to make 4 sandwiches.
• Mix together the mustard, honey, chili paste, oregano, cumin, orange zest and juice, lime zest and juice, garlic and some salt and pepper in a bowl.
• Set the slow cooker to high. Put the pork cubes in the slow cooker and season all over with the chipotle powder and some salt. Turn any pieces with the fat cap upright. Nestle in the garlic, cinnamon sticks and yellow onion. Pour the orange soda, vegetable oil and orange juice and zest over the pork. Cover and cook on high until super tender, about 4 hours.
• Preheat the oven to broil.
• Transfer the pork chunks to a baking sheet fat-side up. Let the liquid in the slow cooker settle so the fat is on the surface. Scoop off about 1/4 cup of the fat and drizzle over the pork chunks. Broil until the meat is crispy and the fat is bubbly, 1 to 2 minutes.

CUBANO SALAD

Steps:

• Whisk together the vinegar, lemon juice, garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper to taste in a medium bowl. Whisk in the olive oil.
• Combine the radishes, tomatoes, lettuce and onions in a large bowl and toss with just enough dressing to coat. Top with the avocado.

CALDO GALLEGO ESTILO CUBANO - GALICIAN SOUP CUBAN STYLE

Steps:

• Place all ingredients; the beans with their soaking liquid, the chorizo, ham, pork fat or bacon, ham hock (if using), onion, garlic, green peppers, tomato sauce, olive oil, in a 6-quart pot, cover with broth and water.
• Cover the pot and simmer slowly for 30 minutes. Add seasonings and simmer for about 1-1/2-2 more hours, until the beans are almost tender.
• Skim the froth and scum that comes to the top.
• Season to taste.
• Add the potatoes, turnips and collard greens, and simmer 15 minutes longer, until all vegetables are soft.
• Season with salt, pepper, and Sazon Completo & Sazon con Azafran to taste.
• Serve in deep soup bowls with a side of white fluffy rice (a necessity for Cubans), with sliced avocados, and tomatoes, with a vinaigrette dressing, a warm loaf of Cuban (pan de flauta) bread or French baguette or even with a Focaccia.
• Buen provecho!

CUBANO MACARONI SALAD

Steps:

• Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. Cool completely., For dressing, in a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, sugar, mustard, salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine cheese, pork, ham, pickles and onion. Add dressing; gently to coat. Refrigerate until serving.

GRILLED CUBANO SANDWICH

Steps:

• Cut the pork tenderloin in half crosswise with a sharp knife, creating two 5-inch-long pieces. Make a vertical cut down the middle of each piece, about 3/4 of the way through. Open the pieces like a book. Lay them cut-side down on a piece of plastic wrap, cover with another piece and use a meat mallet to lightly pound the pork to about 1/2 inch thick.
• Add the pork, 1/4 cup of the yellow mustard, olive oil, pickle brine and garlic to a quart- or gallon-size resealable bag. Close the bag, and rub the marinade into the pork. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Meanwhile, prepare a grill or large grill pan for medium-high heat.
• Once the pork has marinated for 30 minutes, transfer it to a plate, shaking off any excess marinade. Lightly oil the grill grates with vegetable oil. Sprinkle both sides of the pork liberally with salt and pepper, and grill until charred on both sides, 4 to 5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Transfer the pork a cutting board, and let it rest for 5 minutes. Reduce the grill heat to medium. Slice the pork across the grain into 1/8-inch-thick slices, and season lightly with salt and pepper.
• Brush the outside of the Cuban loaf with the butter, and lay the loaf halves cut-side up on a very long piece of aluminum foil. Mix the remaining tablespoon yellow mustard with the mayonnaise, and slather the mixture onto both pieces of bread. Layer the ham, pickles, pork and Swiss cheese on one half of the bread. Top with the other half, and wrap the sandwich up in the foil.
• Put the sandwich on the grill, place a large baking sheet on top and weigh it down with a large cast-iron pan or 2 large cans of food. Grill for 5 minutes, remove the baking sheet and weight, flip the sandwich, weigh it down again and grill until the Swiss cheese has melted, about 5 minutes more.
• Unwrap the sandwich, cut into 4 pieces and serve immediately.

CUBANO

Steps:

• Mix the mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl and spread evenly on the inside of the bread slices. Layer on half of the cheese, the ham, pork, Quick Garlic Pickles and the remaining cheese. Cover with another slice of bread and butter the outside (top and bottom) of the sandwich.
• Heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat and place the sandwiches in the pan. Top with a second cast-iron skillet to weigh the sandwiches down. After 2 minutes, turn down the heat to medium low, flip the sandwiches and weigh down again with the second skillet. Check the sandwiches after 1 more minute, and remove when golden brown and the cheese has melted.
• Ingredients and Directions
• Place the cucumber slices in a medium bowl. Heat 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan with the vinegar, onions, salt, sugar, red pepper flakes and garlic, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil 1 to 2 minutes, stirring. Remove from the heat and pour over the cucumbers and stir to coat the slices well. Place in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes and serve.

CUBANO PORK TENDERLOIN

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
• Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil an oven-proof pan large enough to fit the tenderloin over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic; saute until just starting to brown, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in parsley and mustard. Transfer to a bowl and season with pepper.
• Place tenderloin on a flat work surface. Slice horizontally through the middle, being careful not to cut all the way through to the other side. Open the 2 sides and spread them out like an open book. Place pork between 2 sheets of heavy plastic on a solid, level surface. Firmly pound with the smooth side of a meat mallet to a 1/2-inch thickness. Trim any extra pieces so the tenderloin is rectangular.
• Chop the pork trimmings finely and add to the onion mixture. Spread onion mixture onto pork. Lay ham slices over it and sprinkle Gruyere cheese on top. Roll tenderloin up along the long side. Tie with cotton kitchen string. Season with salt and pepper.
• Heat remaining oil in the same pan over medium-high heat. Sear tenderloin in the hot oil until browned, 3 to 5 minutes per side.
• Transfer pan to the preheated oven and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the tenderloin reads 145 degrees F (71 degrees C), 25 to 30 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

CUBAN ROASTED CHICKEN (POLLO ASADO CUBANO)

Steps:

• Rinse chicken, pat dry. Place chicken breast up in foil-lined shallow roasting pan. In mortar, place garlic, salt, oregano and black pepper, mash them well together. Mix garlic mixture with butter and lemon juice. With your fingers, carefully separate skin from breast, massage 1/2 of mixture gently between breast and skin, then spread the remaining mixture evenly over the whole chicken. Tuck wings under and tie legs together. The chicken will taste better if marinated overnight.
• Place pan in center of rack and cook for 55 minutes at 350° F, basting occasionally. Cook uncovered at 400° F for 5-7 minutes.

HOMEMADE CUBAN BREAD/PAN CUBANO CASERO

Steps:

• 1. The day before baking your bread make the starter. Mix starter ingredients dissolving the yeast in very warm water, Not hot but warm. You want a thick paste when you add the flour. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let "ripen" in refrigerator for 24 hours. Left over starter will keep for several days in the refrigerator or can be frozen.
• 2. Dough: Dissolve the yeast and sugar in three 3 tablespoons of warm water in a large mixing bowl. When the mixture is foamy (5-10 minutes)Stir in lard. (It's best to melt the lard in the microwave but it should not be hot just warm) Let cool if the lard or shortening is too hot. Next add the remaining warm water and half of the batch of the starter. Refrigerate the other half or freeze.
• 3. Mix well with your hands or a wooden spoon. Stir in the salt and the flour 1 cup at a time. You want a dough that is stiff enough to knead. You can also mix and knead with a dough hook or in a food processor fitted with a double blade.
• 4. Turn dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic. About six to eight (6 to 8) minutes, Adding flour as necessary. The dough should be pliable and not real sticky.
• 5. Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover and let rise in a warm draft-free spot until it doubles in bulk, about 45 minutes. Then Punch down.
• 6. After punching down next to form the loaves, divide the dough in 4 pieces. Roll each one out to form a 14 inch long tube, with rounded ends. (sort of like a long meatloaf) Put 2 loaves on a baking tray or sheet, about 6 inches apart. You can lightly spray each tray or sheet with a little Bakers helper or very lightly oil and flour the tray. Or you can use parchment paper first then spray a little with the Bakers helper. Cover the loaves with a dampened cloth or clean dish towel and let rise in a warm draft-free spot, until doubled in their bulk. About One (1) hour. Then Pre-heat the oven on 350 degrees, then lay a warm dampened thick piece of kitchen twine or butchers twine about 18 inches long, all along the top length of each loaf. Press the twine down on each loaf just a little. Bake the bread until the breads are a lightly golden brown on top and sound hollow when lightly tapped about 30 minutes baking time. Then remove let cool slightly and remove strings.
• 7. This will leave a distinct little ridge on top of each loaf. Very typical and the trademark of Authentic Cuban bread. Transfer loaves to a cooling rack. Enjoy as is with butter or sliced for Cuban pork sandwiches or for making Cuban toast. Any way it is delicious. Buen Appetito... Enjoy
• 8. The above picture is not mine. It is a picture of Cuban bread from the Cuban Bakery. They do not show the distinctive ridge across the top. I am planning baking some Cuban bread for the holidays. I will post a picture of my own home made bread then. The picture above is of good Cuban bread.

PORK TENDERLOIN CUBANO

Steps:

• Place the pork in a non-reactive container or plastic bag.
• In a bowl, whisk together the salt, pepper, garlic, onion, oregano, molasses, orange juice, lime juice, and rum.
• Pour the marinade over the pork, coating all surfaces.
• Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours and as much as overnight.
• Return to room temperature before cooking.
• Grill method: Grill the tenderloins over hot coals, 4 inches from the heat source, about 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, basting with the reserved marinade.
• Oven method: Roast the pork in a 400F oven for 20-25 minutes.
• Let the meat rest for 5 minutes; then slice into 3/4 inch thick rounds and serve.

CUBANO

Steps:

• 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 the pork in a roasting pan, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 175°F, about 45 minutes. Allow the meat to cool completely before slicing.
• To make the sandwiches, heat a sandwich press or griddle 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 through, 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.

FRITA CUBANO

Steps:

• For the quick mojo aioli: Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, cumin, paprika, onion powder and garlic powder. Cover and refrigerate until ready to dress the burgers.
• For the burgers: Mix the ground beef, chorizo, cumin, onion powder, paprika, cayenne, salt and pepper in a large bowl, folding it over itself until thoroughly mixed. Let the meat rest 15 minutes at room temperature or for up to 4 hours refrigerated. Shape the meat into 12 balls all the same size, then lightly press them into chubby round patties.
• Preheat a large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. When the oil is shimmering, add the onions and sweat until translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add the patties on top of the onions and press the patties onto the onions using a spatula. Let cook, 3 to 4 minutes; the onions will continue to cook and caramelize in the patty juices, adding flavor to the patties. Flip the patties and cook until firm, 2 to 3 more minutes. Remove from the heat and top with the Swiss cheese.
• Spread 1 tablespoon mojo aioli on the bottoms of each Hawaiian roll, then top with a patty and a generous handful of the Mini French Fries. Serve.
• Peel the potatoes, then shred them on the largest holes of a box grater. Soak in cold water to remove starch and prevent browning, 5 minutes. Strain in a colander and dry on paper towels.
• Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium-high heat until the temperature reaches 375 degrees F.
• Fry the potatoes in batches, moving the potatoes gently with a spider to keep them separated, until brown and crispy, about 4 minutes. Remove to a bowl, season with salt and toss to ensure all the fries are thoroughly seasoned.

AJIACO CUBANO

Steps:

• THE DAY BEFORE:.
• Cut the beef jerky in large pieces and soak in water to cover.
• Soak overnight.
• SOUP:.
• Now drain jerky and place in a very large and deep stockpot.
• Add the 5 quarts of water and the cut up hen or chicken.
• Boil for one hour.
• Add the flank steak and pork pieces.
• Add the spare ribs.
• Boil for one more hour.
• Remove fat and froth that will rise to top.
• While meats are cooking, make the "sofrito", peel and cut the "viandas" (vegetables).
• PREPARE SOFRITO:.
• Add all ingredients, except for seasonings, to sauté pan and allow to simmer for 20 minutes.
• Then add seasonings and simmer about 5 minutes longer.
• Discard the bay leaves.
• PREPARE THE VEGETABLES:.
• When meats are tender, add the viandas, except ripe plantains and pumpkin.
• Cook about one hour more.
• Add the sofrito and cook another 20-30 minutes.
• Add the ripe plantains and pumpkin and cook 30 more minutes or until pumpkin and plantains are tender.
• Taste for seasoning and adjust if necessary.
• If broth is too thin, thicken by mashing some of the viandas in a little broth and adding it back to the pot.
• Serve in a large soup tureen and give each guest a large, flat rimmed soup bowl.
• You can place lime slices in little dishes along the table.
• The ajiaco tastes really good with freshly squeezed lime juice, but let each guest decide if they would like to squirt their own.
• This is so versatile, it can be served as a stew with rice and a salad of lettuce, tomatoe and cucumbers, or served with just the broth or served as is; meats and vegetables in a deep soup bowl.
• Buen Provecho!

SLOW-COOKER CUBANO SANDWICHES

Steps:

• Rub pork with 3 tablespoons mustard, season with pepper and place in a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker. Add ham and pickles, including pickle juice. Cover and cook on low until tender, turning halfway through, about 6 hours. , Shred pork with 2 forks. Sprinkle cheese over meat mixture; cover and cook until cheese melts, about 30 minutes. , When ready to serve, slice rolls and toast lightly in a toaster oven or broiler. Spread remaining mustard evenly over both sides. Using a slotted spoon, top rolls with meat mixture. Serve immediately.

SMOKED CUBAN (CUBANO) PORK

Steps:

• 1. Gather your ingredients
• 2. Add all the marinade ingredients to a large bowl and stir until completely dissolved.
• 3. Use a sharp knife to cut a crosshatch pattern into the fat cap, and the bottom of the pork.
• 4. Chef's Note: This will help the marinade to penetrate into the pork.
• 5. Add the pork and the marinade to a large Ziploc bag, or non-reactive bowl.
• 6. Chef's Note: Because of the size of these pork butts, I'm using turkey-basting bags that I got from Williams-Sonoma.
• 7. Place in the fridge for 12, and up to 24 hours.
• 8. Chef's Note: If you're like me, and you like to peek into the fridge every now and then... Well, while you're in there, give the bag a big old squeeze or two.
• 9. Chef's Tip: Ziploc bags have been known to spring a leak. To keep this from becoming a problem, place the bag in a bowl, or on a large plate.
• 10. After 24 hours remove the pork from the marinade, and save about two cups.
• 11. Place the marinade into a small saucepan, and allow it to simmer for about 20 minutes, then remove and reserve.
• 12. Preheat your smoker to 225f (107c).
• 13. Thoroughly coat the pork with the dry rub... Rub it in good.
• 14. Chef's Note: My dry rub consists of equal amounts of black pepper, cumin, paprika, onion powder, salt, and then a pinch or two of cayenne pepper.
• 15. Add the pork butt to the smoker, along with two bricks.
• 16. Chef's Note: The bricks are optional, but I'll explain that later.
• 17. Allow the pork butt to smoke until reaching an internal temperature of 200f (94c).
• 18. Chef's Note: Once an hour, for the first 6 hours, open the smoker, and mop the pork butt with the reserved marinade.
• 19. Chef's Note: Depending on your cut of meat, it could take 12 hours to reach the magic number. But don't hasten the process by raising the heat... have patience.
• 20. Optional Step: Remove the pork butt from the smoker, wrap in foil, then place into a beverage cooler, and place some tea towels around it, plus the two hot bricks. Let it sit for two hours. What this does is finish up the melting of the collagen, and makes this pork melt in your mouth.
• 21. Chef's Tip: I made my own box out of Styrofoam, but a typical Coleman cooler will work just fine.
• 22. Remove from the cooler, and shred. If the meat is a bit dry, add a small amount of the reserved marinade.
• 23. Chef's Note: I tried several ways to cut the meat for a Cubano sandwich; however, shredded is the way to go.
• 24. There you go... the perfect Cuban smoked pork. Keep the faith, and keep cooking.

CUBANO PORK SANDWICHES

Steps:

• In a small bowl, mix the first 5 ingredients. Cut roast into thirds; rub with oil. Rub spice mixture over meat; wrap in plastic. Refrigerate, covered, 24 hours., In a large saucepan, combine onion, wine, juices, bay leaf and seasonings. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, covered, 45 minutes. Strain sauce, discarding onion and seasonings., In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Brown roast on all sides; drain. Transfer to a 6-qt. slow cooker. Pour sauce over meat. Cook, covered, on low 8-10 hours or until meat is tender. Remove roast; cool slightly. Skim fat from cooking juices. Shred pork with 2 forks. Return pork to slow cooker; heat through., Preheat oven to 325°. Split bread horizontally. Hollow out bottoms of loaves, leaving 3/4-in. shells. Spread relish and mustard inside shells. Layer with meat and cheese. Replace tops., Wrap sandwiches tightly in heavy-duty foil. Place on baking sheets. Bake 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Cut each crosswise into 12 slices.

PORK TENDERLOIN CUBANO

Steps:

• Mix first 10 ingredients in large resealable plastic bag. Add pork to marinade. Close bag and turn pork to coat. Refrigerate overnight, turning pork once.
• Preheat oven to 400°F. Transfer pork to baking pan; discard marinade. Roast until thermometer inserted into center of pork registers 150°F, about 25 minutes. Let pork stand 5 minutes. Cut pork crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange on platter. Garnish with orange slices and cilantro sprigs and serve.

PAN CUBANO

Steps:

• STARTER: The day before baking, dissolve the yeast in warm water in a nonreactive bowl. Add flour. You want a thick paste when you add the flour. Cover bowl with plastic wrap (punch a couple air holes) and place in refrigerator for 24 hours.
• Leftover starter can be left in the refrigerator or frozen. (You will need to maintain starter if you are going to keep it; there are several zaar recipies that describe sourdough starter care.).
• DOUGH: Dissolve yeast and sugar in warm water in a large mixing bowl. When the mixture is foamy (5 to 10 minutes), mix in the lard/ shortening, remaining water and starter (remember, it's 1/2 cup of starter and not the entire volume that you made the day before).
• Mix well with your fingers or a wooden spoon. Stir in salt and flour, 1 cup at a time. You want to get a dough that is stiff enough to knead. You can also mix and knead in a mixer fitted with a dough hook or in a food processor fitted with the double blade (the processor hook will not handle this job easily).
• Turn dough onto a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth and elastic, about 6 to 8 minutes, adding flour as necessary. The dough should be pliable and not sticky.
• Transfer to a lightly oiled bowl, cover and let warm, draft-free spot until it doubles its bulk, about 45 minutes. Punch down.
• To form the loaves, divide the dough in 4 pieces. Roll out each piece to form a 14-inch long tube, with rounded ends (sort of like a long meat loaf).
• Put 2 of the loaves per baking sheet, each loaf about 6 inches apart on the sheet. Cover with dampened cotton dish towel and let rise in warm, draft-free spot until double their bulk, about 1 hour. If you want it to rise at a slower pace, you can put it in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours.
• Preheat oven to 350°F.
• Lay a piece of dampened thick string or twine (about 1/8" thick) all along the top of the loaf. Bake until the loaves are lightly browned on the top and sound hollow when lightly tapped, about 30 minutes.
• Remove loaves from oven and let cool slightly. Remove the strings. They will leave a distinct little ridge on top. Transfer loaves to a wire rack for cooling.