When it comes to sandwiches, there is a variety to choose from. Some people love Grilled Cheese, others prefer Veggie. Some like Roast Beef and Cheddar, while others LUV the BLT. Some eat up Reuben’s, or prefer their rhyming counterpart: the Cuban. For the latter lovers, the country of Cuba is to thank. The origin of the Cuban sandwich is somewhat disputed: it was either created in Cuba or in the Cuban community of Ybor City, Florida. In the early 20th century, it appeared in both areas and both claim to have been the inventor. While this seems a little like Al Gore stating he invented the Internet, both Cuba and Ybor City may have valid claims.
During this time frame, people traveled frequently and easily between Florida and Cuba. Many Cubans traveled to Florida for employment opportunities and back to Cuba for familial obligations. Thus, when Cuban sandwiches surfaced at sugar mills in Cuba and cigar factories in Ybor City, it was hard to pinpoint the creator. It is most likely that they did appear in both places at relatively the same time. No matter where it was created, its popularity has spread like mayonnaise, particularly through Florida. Key West, Tampa Bay, and Miami are all cities known for great Cuban sandwiches, though some areas deviate from the name, calling them “Mixto sandwiches” or “Cuban Pressed Sandwiches.” Like its birthplace, the ingredients in a true Cuban sandwich are also somewhat disputed.
In traditional Miami creations, sandwiches are made with Cuban bread, a type of bread created with lard in lieu of oil. The bread is cut into lengths between eight and twelve inches, the crust is buttered, and the sandwich is sliced in half. Mustard and dill pickles are added as well as layers of glazed ham and Swiss cheese. Roast pork is also added: this is the ingredient that helps set Cuban sandwiches apart from regular old ham and cheese.
In order to be a true Cuban, the roast pork must be dipped in a citrus and garlic marinade called mojo. It must then be slow roasted. After all the ingredients are added, the Cuban is toasted in a press until the cheese melts and the bread is crispy.
In Tampa bay, the above does not make the sandwich complete, not, at least, until Genoa salami is added. It is believed that the addition of Genoa salami comes from the melting cultural pot in Ybor City, a city that includes a mix of those from Spain, Cuba, and Italy.
In Key West, lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise are added to the Cuban. However, many traditionalists argue that these additions cause the sandwich to lose its authenticity.
Some other closely related sandwiches are those made in the northern United States, which replaces the Cuban bread with Panini bread. A sandwich available in Cuba, called medianoche (meaning “Midnight”), is similar to the Cuban, but it uses bread made from soft egg dough. It is called a “midnight” because of its popularity after the bars and nightclubs close. In other words, it’s like Taco Bell in America.
Jennifer Jordan is an editor and staff writer for www.whatsknottolove.com. At home in a design firm in Denver, Colorado, she writes articles specific to the finer things in life.
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