Easy Grilled Cuban Sandwich

This grilled Cuban sandwich is deliciously layered with pork tenderloin, smoked ham, slices of cheese, lots of pickles with yellow mustard and lite mayonnaise on French bread grilled in butter. Drool worthy, right?

When it comes to eating a sandwich, my first thought is: "Will this be filling?". So when I came across Cuban sandwiches, I was in awe of the flavor combination and knew I had to try it at home! When I create a sandwich it needs to have something special, as in having a special sauce, layered in multiple flavors (yes, we like it to be overwhelming with flavor!), covered in cheese or with added avocado.

A classic Cuban sandwich includes pork butt, cheese, ham, pickles and a delicious sauce, however, the variations of this sandwich changes depending where you live, the culture and the nutrition needs and preference. With that in

mind, I knew I wanted to make a lighter, more simple version of this gourmet sandwich.

Pork tenderloin is a lean meat and lower in fat and sodium than many other meats. It is also a great source of protein, B vitamins, and iron. For more nutrition on pork, check out the National Pork Board.

Easy Grilled Cuban Sandwich

Makes 4-8 servings (depending how hungry you are!)*

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. pork tenderloin, thinly sliced

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 lb. slices white cheddar cheese

• 1 lb. deli smoked ham, thinly sliced

• 1 cup sliced dill pickles

• 4 French bread rolls, sliced in half (or any soft loaf bread will work)

• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard

• 2 tablespoons lite mayonnaise

• 2 tablespoons butter

Directions:

1. In a large skillet, pour extra virgin olive oil and place thin sliced pork tenderloin in a single layer. Cook until pork is thoroughly cooked, about 5-8 minutes on each side.

2. Remove from heat and cover and let sit while you start the sandwiches.

Assembling the Sandwich:

1. Slice the loaf of bread in half lengthwise and then cut into 4 equal parts. In the same large skillet, add butter and let it melt. Add the bread face down and grill for a minute on each slide.

2. Once face up, add mustard and mayo to each slice of bread (~ 1/2 teaspoon each) then add sliced cheese, ham, pickles pork tenderloin, more cheese to one half of the bread. Place the other half on top.

3. Place an iron skillet or something heavy on top of each sandwich and press down. Once toasted, flip sandwich over and repeat until cheese is melted and bread is crispy.

4. Remove from heat, cut in half and enjoy immediately!

*Note: These sandwiches are large and filling and when cut in half they can serve 2.