Medianoche, literally “midnight” in Spanish, is a type of Cuban sandwich that originated in Havana, Cuba and is still served in many Cuban communities today.

A close cousin to the Cuban sandwich, it is so named because of the sandwich’s popularity as a staple served in Havana’s night clubs right around or after midnight.

How to make a Medianoche:

Ingredients:

• 4 sweet bread rolls, egg bread or Challah.
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup mustard
• 1 pound thinly sliced cooked ham
• 1 pound thinly sliced fully cooked pork
• 1 pound sliced Swiss cheese
• 1 cup dill pickle slices
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preparation:

1. Split the bread in half horizontally. Spread mustard and mayonnaise liberally onto the inside of each half.
2. Place and equal amount of Swiss cheese, ham and pork, in that order,  a few pickles, and put the top of the bread onto the sandwich. Brush both sides with melted butter.
3. Press each sandwich in a sandwich press heated to medium-high heat. If a sandwich press is not available, use a large skillet over medium-high heat, and press the sandwiches down using a sturdy plate or skillet. Cook for 5 to 8 minutes, keeping sandwiches pressed.
4. Slice diagonally and serve hot.

Best served with fried plantain chips, “mariquitas” and a cold mamey milkshake, “batido de mamey“.

Medianoche Sandwich, 4.3 out of 5 based on 7 ratings