The Cuban Sandwich (The Cubano)

This Cuban Sandwich Recipe reflects the delicious sandwich from Florida, the birthplace of the authentic Cubano.

Making a Cuban sandwich requires a few extra steps, including roasting your own pork, but it is totally worth it.

I even made my own Cuban bread, or Pan Cubano de Manteca!

Empanadas de Picadillo

These empanadas de picadillo are made with puff pastry wrapped around a mixture of seasoned ground beef and potatoes.

These empanadas are baked, not fried, and are wonderful fresh from the oven or reheated later in the toaster oven. While they may not win a beauty contest, these were pretty much one of the most popular dishes from my kitchen.

Cuban-Style Black Bean Soup {Vegan}

This Cuban-style black bean soup may look like a simple bowl of soup, but it is much more complex. The ingredient list is long, but the flavors in this soup make it worth the fuss.

Along with the black beans, this Cuban-style black bean soup is flavored with bell peppers, onions, jalapeños, garlic, cumin, oregano, and Manzanilla olives (the kind you put in martinis).

Cuban Bread {Pan Cubano de Manteca}

This Cuban Bread, or Pan Cubano de Manteca, is a take on the bread produced from Cuban bakeries. 

Cuban bread begins with a starter to develop flavor, and is distinguished by the inclusion of lard in the dough.

Shrimp Stuffed Cuban Potato Balls

These Shrimp Stuffed Cuban Potato Balls are hot, crispy, and filled with a delicious shrimp ragout.

These shrimp stuffed Cuban potato balls are inspired by the potato balls served by Porto's, a Southern California family run Cuban bakery with a serious cult following. Their pastries are gorgeous and delicious, but their potato balls/papas rellenas filled with picadillo are in a class of their own. 

Papas Rellenas (Cuban Potato Balls)

Cuban Papas Rellenas are mashed potatoes stuffed with seasoned meat, rolled into a ball, breaded, and then deep fried, resulting in these little packages of pop-able deliciousness.

Cuban potato balls (Papas Rellenas) are just about the most "comfort-y" of comfort foods around. Think croquettes with a Latino edge marrying Irish potato cakes that just happen to have a spicy meat filling.