Cubano with Homemade Quick Garlic Pickles

2 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 large wide loaf French bread (not baguette), halved lengthwise and quartered into 8 small slices
8 slices Swiss cheese
4 to 6 slices deli-style ham
5 to 6 ounces thinly sliced pork (roast, chop or pulled)
1 large cucumber, peeled and sliced thinly
1/4 cup white vinegar
3 tablespoons chopped onion
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 cloves garlic, minced
4 tablespoons butter, softened
Instructions:

Place the cucumber slices in a medium bowl. Heat 3/4 cup water in a small saucepan with the vinegar, onions, salt, sugar, red pepper flakes and garlic, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Boil 1 to 2 minutes, stirring. Remove from the heat and pour over the cucumbers and stir to coat the slices well. Place in the refrigerator for at least 15 minutes. Once the pickles are ready (or if they have been made in advance), begin the cuabno. Mix the mayonnaise and mustard in a small bowl and spread evenly on the inside of the bread slices. Layer on half of the cheese, the ham, pork, Quick Garlic Pickles and the remaining cheese. Cover with another slice of bread and butter the outside (top and bottom) of the sandwich. Heat a cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat and place the sandwiches in the pan. Top with a second cast-iron skillet to weigh the sandwiches down. After 2 minutes, turn down the heat to medium low, flip the sandwiches and weigh down again with the second skillet. Check the sandwiches after 1 more minute, and remove when golden brown and the cheese has melted.

Yield:
4 servings
Prep & Cooking Time:
30 minutes
Skill Level:
Course: