How to Make a Torta Cubana: Torta Cubana Recipe

• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 sandwich roll (like a flatter-style Telera roll, or a baguette-style Bolillo), sliced lengthwise down the middle
• ½ cup carnitas
• 1–2 slices ham
• 2 slices American-style cheddar cheese
• ½ teaspoon chipotle powder (optional)
• ¼ cup sour cream, Mexican-style crema, or mayonnaise (optional)
• 3–4 tablespoons refried beans
• ½ avocado, mashed or sliced
• 3 pickled jalapeño peppers (optional)

1. 1

   Lightly grease a large nonstick skillet and set over medium-high heat.

2. 2

   Spread the butter on both slices of bread, and place face-down on the skillet. Cook until golden brown and crisp, then flip and repeat. Remove and set aside on a clean work surface.

3. 3

   Lower the heat to medium, and add the carnitas and ham to the skillet to warm. Flip ham after a few minutes. Lay the cheese slices on top of the ham.

4. 4

   To make the optional crema/mayonnaise, add ½ teaspoon chipotle powder to your spread of choice and season with salt to taste.

5. 5

   Spread the crema, if using, followed by the refried beans, onto the slices of bread. Arrange the avocado on the bottom slice of bread.

6. 6

   Once the cheese has melted onto the ham, transfer the carnitas to the base slice of bread, on top of the avocado slices, followed by the ham and cheese. Top with the second slice of bread. Serve with pickled jalapeño peppers on the side.

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