Authentic Cuban Sandwich with Black Beans

This recipe brings the flavors of Cuba into your kitchen with a classic and mouthwatering Cuban sandwich paired with homemade black beans. The sandwich is made with juicy pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, pressed to perfection. Serve it alongside a bowl of flavorful black beans that are slow-cooked with garlic, onions, and spices. This authentic Cuban meal is perfect for lunch or dinner, and it will transport your taste buds to the streets of Havana.

Ingredients

• For the Cuban Sandwich:
• - 1 loaf Cuban bread, or baguette
• - 1 pound roast pork, thinly sliced
• - 1/2 pound ham, thinly sliced
• - 8 slices Swiss cheese
• - 1 cup dill pickles, thinly sliced
• - Yellow mustard, to taste
• - Butter, for spreading
• For the Black Beans:
• - 1 pound dried black beans
• - 4 cups water
• - 1 onion, diced
• - 4 cloves garlic, minced
• - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• - 1 teaspoon oregano
• - 1 bay leaf
• - Salt and pepper, to taste
• - Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Directions

1. For the Cuban Sandwich:
2. Preheat a panini press or a large skillet.
3. Slice the Cuban bread or baguette lengthwise.
4. Layer the roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, and pickles on the bread.
5. Spread yellow mustard on the other half of the bread.
6. Press the sandwich in the panini press or cook in the skillet until the cheese melts and the bread is crispy.
7. Slice the sandwich into individual portions and serve hot.
8. For the Black Beans:
9. Rinse the black beans and remove any debris.
10. In a large pot, combine the black beans, water, diced onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, oregano, and bay leaf.
11. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 2-3 hours, or until the beans are tender.
12. Season the beans with salt and pepper to taste.
13. Serve the black beans hot, topped with fresh cilantro as garnish.

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