Monte Cubano

This two-in-one indulgence has the irresistible makings of a Cuban sandwich, including Swiss cheese, pickles, and sliced meats—but it’s also dipped in egg batter and fried like a Monte Cristo.

Yield:

Serves 1

Ingredients

1. 2 slices firm bread
2. 1 to 2 teaspoons mustard
3. 4 or 5 dill pickle rounds
4. 2 slices boiled or baked ham
5. 2 slices smoked turkey
6. 3 thin slices Swiss cheese
7. 1/2 garlic clove
8. 1/2 tablespoon mayonnaise
9. 1 large egg
10. 2 tablespoons whole milk
11. 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Directions

1. Spread 1 slice of bread with mustard and top with pickles, meats, and cheese. Mince and mash garlic to a paste with a pinch of salt, then mix with mayonnaise. Spread on remaining slice of bread and assemble sandwich.
2. Beat together egg, milk, and 1/8 tsp each of salt and pepper, then soak sandwich in egg mixture.
3. Melt butter in a heavy medium skillet over medium-low heat. Cook sandwich, uncovered, until underside is well browned, about 4 minutes. Flip and cook remaining side, covered, until well browned, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand, covered, 1 minute.

Notes