Pan con Lechon, meaning "roasted pork sandwich" in Spanish, is a cherished Cuban dish known for its savory, tangy flavors and satisfying texture. This classic Cuban sandwich features tender, slow-roasted pork seasoned with garlic and citrus, served on a soft bread roll, and topped with grilled onions and zesty mojo sauce. The result is a mouthwatering combination of juicy pork, crispy bread, and a flavorful kick from the mojo sauce.
Pan con Lechon holds a special place in Cuban cuisine, often enjoyed as street food or during family gatherings and celebrations. The tradition of roasting pork in Cuba dates back to the island's indigenous peoples and has evolved through Spanish influence, incorporating bold spices and citrus flavors. The sandwich embodies the vibrant and diverse flavors of Cuban cooking, showcasing the art of seasoning and slow-roasting pork to perfection.
Ingredients:
- For the Pork:
- 1 pound boneless pork shoulder or butt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 orange
- Juice of 1 lime
- 1 onion, sliced
- 4 soft bread rolls
- For the Mojo Sauce:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 limes
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
2. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Rub this mixture all over the pork shoulder.
3. Place the pork in a roasting pan and pour the orange and lime juice over it. Scatter the sliced onions around the pork.
4. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and roast for about 3 hours, or until the pork reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
6. While the pork rests, prepare the mojo sauce: whisk together olive oil, lime juice, minced garlic, cumin, salt, black pepper, and chopped cilantro in a small bowl.
7. To assemble the sandwiches, slice the bread rolls in half and toast them if desired. Place a generous amount of sliced pork on the bottom half of each roll, top with grilled onions, and drizzle with mojo sauce. Close with the top half of the roll.
8. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes:
- For grilled onions, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook onions until soft and lightly charred, about 5-7 minutes.
- Alternatively, cook the pork in a slow cooker on low for 8 hours for a hands-off approach.
Nutrition Value:
1. For the Pork:
- 1 pound boneless pork shoulder or butt
- Calories: 960
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 72 g
- Fat: 72 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Cholesterol: 240 mg
- Vitamins: B12, B6
- Minerals: Iron, Zinc
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in protein and essential vitamins and minerals, including B12 for energy production and iron for oxygen transport.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Calories: 120
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: E
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, which support heart health and reduce inflammation.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Calories: 20
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, B6
- Minerals: Manganese, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds that support immune function and cardiovascular health.
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, E
- Minerals: Iron, Magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential minerals like iron and magnesium, and has antioxidant properties that support digestion.
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- Calories: 6
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: K
- Minerals: Calcium, Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants and vitamins that promote bone health and support the immune system.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1160 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Essential for fluid balance and nerve function, but should be consumed in moderation.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Calories: 3
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0.1 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: K
- Minerals: Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants and aids in digestion, enhancing the absorption of nutrients.
- Juice of 1 orange
- Calories: 60
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C
- Minerals: Potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: High in vitamin C, supporting the immune system and enhancing iron absorption.
- Juice of 1 lime
- Calories: 11
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Protein: 0.2 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, supporting immune function and skin health.
- 1 onion, sliced
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, B6
- Minerals: Manganese, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants and vitamins that support heart health and have anti-inflammatory properties.
- 4 soft bread rolls
- Calories: 600
- Carbohydrates: 120 g
- Protein: 16 g
- Fat: 8 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: B vitamins
- Minerals: Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides carbohydrates for energy and small amounts of protein and essential vitamins.
2. For the Mojo Sauce:
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Calories: 480
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 56 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: E
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Offers healthy fats and antioxidants that support cardiovascular health.
- Juice of 2 limes
- Calories: 22
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C
- Minerals: Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamin C, aiding immune function and collagen production.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- Calories: 20
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, B6
- Minerals: Manganese, Calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that support overall health.
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Calories: 8
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Protein: 0.4 g
- Fat: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 1 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: C, E
- Minerals: Iron, Magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains essential minerals and antioxidants that aid digestion and support immune health.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Calories: 0
- Carbohydrates: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 290 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: Sodium
- Nutritional Benefit: Essential for electrolyte balance but should be used in moderation.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Calories: 1
- Carbohydrates: 0.3 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: K
- Minerals: Iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Contains antioxidants that support digestion and nutrient absorption.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Calories: 1
- Carbohydrates: 0.3 g
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Sodium: 0 mg
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Vitamins: A, C, K
- Minerals: Calcium, Potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Rich in vitamins and minerals that support digestive health and boost the immune system.
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