The Cuban Sandwich Quesadilla is a delicious and innovative fusion of two beloved dishes – the Cuban sandwich and the quesadilla. This culinary creation combines the flavors of a classic Cuban sandwich, traditionally composed of roast pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, with the cheesy goodness of a quesadilla. The result is a mouthwatering dish that pays homage to both Cuban and Mexican cuisines, offering a delightful blend of textures and flavors.

The Cuban sandwich, also known as the “Cubano,” has its roots in the vibrant culinary scene of Cuba. It is said to have been brought to the United States by Cuban immigrants, particularly in the early 20th century. The sandwich originally featured roasted pork, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard, pressed between Cuban bread. Over the years, the Cuban sandwich became a staple in Cuban-American communities, particularly in places like Miami.

On the other hand, the quesadilla hails from Mexico, where it has been a part of Mexican cuisine for centuries. Traditionally, a quesadilla consists of a tortilla filled with cheese and various fillings, then folded in half and cooked until the cheese is melted.

The fusion of the Cuban sandwich and quesadilla likely emerged as a creative response to the popularity of fusion cuisine and the desire to experiment with diverse flavors and ingredients.

SERVES: 1

PREP TIME: 5 MINUTES

COOKING TIME: 5 MINUTES

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE CUBAN SANDWICH FILLING:

• 1/2 pound roast pork, thinly sliced
• 1/2 pound ham, thinly sliced
• Swiss cheese slices
• Dill pickle slices
• Dijon mustard

FOR THE QUESADILLA:

• Large flour tortillas
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Butter or olive oil for cooking

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Lay out a tortilla and spread a thin layer of Dijon mustard on one side.
2. Place Swiss cheese slices on half of the tortilla.
3. Layer the roast pork, ham, and dill pickle slices on top of the cheese.
4. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded mozzarella cheese over the Cuban sandwich filling.
5. Fold the tortilla in half to cover the filling, creating a half-moon shape.
6. In a skillet over medium heat, melt a small amount of butter or heat olive oil.
7. Carefully place the folded quesadilla in the skillet and cook until the tortilla becomes golden brown and crispy, and the cheese is melted. This will take about 2-3 minutes on each side.
8. Once the quesadilla is cooked to your desired level of crispiness, remove it from the skillet.
9. Allow it to cool for a minute, then use a sharp knife to cut it into wedges.
10. Serve the Cuban Sandwich Quesadilla with additional Dijon mustard or a dipping sauce of your choice.

CONCLUSION:

• The Cuban Sandwich Quesadilla is a delightful example of culinary creativity that draws inspiration from two distinct culinary traditions. By merging the flavors of a Cuban sandwich with the concept of a quesadilla, this dish offers a unique and enjoyable eating experience. As the world of food continues to evolve, dishes like the Cuban Sandwich Quesadilla showcase the endless possibilities that arise from the blending of cultures and cuisines.