Nuevo Cubano

Ingredients

• 15 ounce black beans rinsed drained canned
• 0.3 teaspoon chili powder 
• 4 ounces deli honey ham thinly sliced reduced-sodium
• 0.3 cup cilantro leaves fresh chopped
• 2  garlic clove minced
• 1.5 tablespoons juice of lime fresh
• 1 large tomatoes peeled thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
• 3 ounces provolone cheese thinly sliced
• 12 ounce portugese rolls whole-wheat cut in half lengthwise

Equipment

• food processor
• frying pan

Directions

1. Hollow out top and bottom halves of bread, leaving a 1/2-inch-thick shell; reserve torn bread for another use.
2. Combine cilantro, lime juice, chili powder, garlic, and black beans in a food processor; process until almost smooth and spreadable, adding a few drops of water, if necessary.
3. Spread bean mixture evenly on bottom halves of the prepared rolls.
4. Layer rolls evenly with ham, mango or tomatoes, and provolone cheese; replace top halves of rolls.
5. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes.
6. Add 2 sandwiches to pan; place a cast-iron or other heavy skillet on top of sandwiches; press gently. Cook 2 to 3 minutes on each side or until sandwiches are golden brown (leave cast-iron skillet on sandwiches while they cook).
7. Remove sandwiches from pan; repeat procedure with remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 2 sandwiches.