Sandwich Bread:
- Lightly grease a large bowl with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a small bowl, stir together 1.25 cups (310ml) water at 100°F (38°C) and yeast. Cover with plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature for about 8 minutes.
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the dough hook, add the bread flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk together until thoroughly combined.
- Secure the bowl to the stand mixer and mix on medium-low speed. Gradually pour in the bloomed yeast and mix until a cohesive dough forms. Then knead for 2-3 minutes until the dough is smooth. Add in the lard and mix on low for about 1 minute until combined and smooth.
- Turn the dough out onto a work surface and shape into a ball. Place in the greased bowl, covered with greased plastic wrap and let the dough rise at room temperature for 45 minutes -1 hour, until doubled in size.
- Punch down the dough. Turn the dough out onto a lightly-floured work surface.
- Divide the dough into two even pieces. Cover with a damp towel and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Take one piece of dough and flatten it out into about ½” (1.25cm)-thick rectangle. Starting with the edge closest to you, tightly roll the dough upward into a log. Pinch together the seams at the bottom and sides.
- Carefully roll the log while applying pressure outward to slightly taper the ends. The roll should end up about 16 inches (40cm) long. Repeat with the other piece of dough.
- Place each roll onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, 4 - 5 inches (10–12.5cm) apart. Cover with another baking sheet letting the dough proof for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and set the baking racks in the middle and lower third.
- Lightly spray the rolls with water. Using a razor blade, score a shallow seam along the length of the dough.
- Place a small skillet of boiling water on the bottom rack of the oven, and place the baking sheet on the middle rack. Spray the inside of the oven with a little water to generate steam.
- Bake in the oven for 8 to 10 minutes. Reduce the heat to 375°F (190°C), remove the steaming pan of water and bake for another 20 to 22 minutes, or until lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely before cutting.
Tip: Make this a day or two ahead of time if you will be toasting it.
Mojo Braised Pork:
- Place the pork shoulder in a 1-gallon resealable zip-top bag.
- To prepare the mojo marinade, into the carafe of a blender, add the shallots, garlic, orange and lime zests, oregano, mint, cumin, Serrano chilies, olive oil, salt, lime and orange juices. Blend on high speed until completely smooth.
- Reserve 1 cup of the marinade and refrigerate, covered, until ready to use.
- Pour the rest of the marinade into the bag with the pork. Massage the marinade into the pork then seal the bag. Place the sealed bag into a large bowl or on a sheet tray and place in the refrigerator to marinate overnight.
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Remove the pork from the marinade, place it into a 7-quart (6.5 liters) Dutch oven. Pour in all of the marinade. The marinade should fill the pot halfway, but if not, add chicken stock to supplement.
- Roast in the oven, uncovered, for 10 minutes. Then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (180°C) and bake for 3 to 3½ hours, uncovered, turning occasionally to make sure all sides are evenly browned.
- Remove the pork from the Dutch oven and place onto a cutting board to cool. Then transfer to a large bowl.
- Skim the fat off the top of the remaining caramelized mojo sauce, then strain the mojo sauce into a small bowl.
- Using two forks, shred the meat and toss it together in the reserved mojo sauce. Season to taste with salt.
Assembly:
- Butter the inside of each slice of Cubano bread with unsalted butter. Place buttered-side down into a cold pan over medium heat and toast until golden brown and crispy.
- Melt butter in a separate medium pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced ham and sear both sides until browned. Remove from the pan and set aside to keep warm.
- Spread mustard onto both halves of toasted bread.
- Arrange pickles on the bottom half of bread, followed by a layer of the seared ham.
- Add a heaping layer of the braised mojo pork and top with Swiss cheese. Use a brulee torch to melt the cheese.
- Crown the sandwich with the top half of bread.
- Preheat a heavy cast-iron pan (which you’ll use to flatten the toasting sandwich).
- Generously coat the top and bottom of the composed sandwich with butter.
- Place the sandwich into a cold pan over medium heat. Place the preheated heavy cast-iron pan on top to press into the bread. Toast the sandwich until the bottom is golden, flip it, and place the cast-iron skillet back on and repeat the process. (A panini press will also work.)
- Remove from the pan. Cut into two diagonal slices and enjoy.