Cuban Sandwich Quesadillas
Try this Cuban Sandwich Quesadillas recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Cuban Sandwich Quesadillas recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp dijon mustard
- 4 tortillas
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp pepper
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 4 slices swiss cheese
- 2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup orange juice fresh-squeezed or i like this brand
- 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
- 10 garlic cloves
- 3 pound pork butt
- 3 tbsp stone ground mustard
- 4 slices baked deli ham
- 4 tbsp mustard aioli (recipe above)
- pickle slices
- Carbohydrate 345.410500693434 g
- Cholesterol 1053.4618082 mg
- Fat 254.090583752313 g
- Fiber 50.9260995574559 g
- Protein 288.635209297206 g
- Saturated Fat 71.8911669337294 g
- Serving Size 1 1 recipe (2469g)
- Sodium 2703.84297787483 mg
- Sugar 294.484401135978 g
- Trans Fat 20.8527514516827 g
- Calories 4791 calories
Step-by-step
- Place all ingredients except pork into a blender and blend on high to make a marinade.
- Pour marinade in a large plastic ziploc, or container.
- Pierce the pork on all sides with a pairing knife.
- Add pork to the container and seal.
- Marinate for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours, in refrigerator.
- To a slow-cooker, add pork and cook on low 6-8 hours (check around 6 hours).
- Shred Cuban Pork with fork.
- Add the Dijon mustard, egg yolk, and lemon juice to a mixing bowl and whisk together until smooth.
- Slowly pour the olive oil into the mixture, whisking small amounts of it in at a time until it is completely incorporated.
- Whisk vigorously until mixture is thick and creamy.
- To a nonstick skillet, lay tortilla flat.
- Layer one side of tortilla, in the following order: 1 tbsp aioli, ham, swiss cheese, 1-2 tbsp pork.
- Cook 4-5 minutes, until cheese melts.
- Fold empty side of tortilla to meet toppings side.
- Flatten with spatula.
- Flip, and cook for 2-3 more minutes.
- Remove from heat, and cut into slices.
- Dip in extra aioli, if desired.
A Taste of Cuba, Right in My Kitchen: My Cuban Sandwich Quesadilla Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook delicious and satisfying meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights often involve a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework battles, and the ever-present need to nourish my family with something more substantial than takeout. That’s where my love for quick, yet flavorful meals comes in. And let me tell you, this Cuban Sandwich Quesadilla recipe has become a true lifesaver. It manages to satisfy everyone's cravings—my kids love the cheesy goodness, and my husband appreciates the authentic Cuban flavors.
The inspiration struck during one of my rare moments of peace – a weekend brunch with friends. One of them brought this incredible Cuban sandwich, and the layers of flavor just exploded in my mouth. The tender, slow-cooked pork, the tangy mustard, the melt-in-your-mouth Swiss cheese, and the slightly acidic crunch of pickles; It was a symphony of textures and tastes! I knew then and there that I needed to recreate this culinary masterpiece, but with a twist. Enter the quesadilla: a quick, easy, and universally loved format. The idea of transforming the classic Cuban sandwich into a quesadilla appealed to my need for efficiency and family-friendly meals.
This recipe isn’t just about speed; it’s about embracing the rich flavors of Cuban cuisine. The slow-cooked pork is the heart of the dish, infused with the aromatic blend of garlic, cumin, oregano, and citrus juices. The marinade is essential for achieving that tender, juicy texture. The beauty of slow cooking the pork is that it requires minimal effort on my part; simply toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic. By the time my family comes home from their various activities, the delicious aroma is wafting through the house, announcing the arrival of a wonderful dinner.
The aioli adds a touch of richness and complexity to the quesadilla. The creamy texture balances the saltiness of the ham and the sharpness of the cheese. I typically make a large batch of aioli and store it in the refrigerator, ready to be used in various dishes. It's incredibly versatile – a dollop on sandwiches, a spread for grilled vegetables, or even a dip for chips. The possibilities are endless!
The assembly is remarkably straightforward: a simple layer of aioli, ham, Swiss cheese, and the slow-cooked pork on a tortilla, followed by folding and grilling. The result is a warm, comforting quesadilla that captures the essence of a Cuban sandwich in a fraction of the time. It’s a testament to the fact that delicious meals don't have to be complicated. They simply require a little love, a pinch of creativity, and a whole lot of flavor.
Beyond the ease and taste, this recipe is a perfect way to introduce my kids to new flavors and cuisines. They love participating in the process, from helping me shred the pork to folding the quesadillas. It’s a fun family activity that creates memories and fosters appreciation for different cultures. It is a perfect weekend lunch or a weeknight dinner.
So, the next time you're looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal that satisfies both your cravings and your busy schedule, give this Cuban Sandwich Quesadilla recipe a try. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and a testament to the fact that even the simplest dishes can pack a powerful flavor punch. And who knows, it might just become your new family favorite!
