Stuffed Pork Sandwich

From EatingWell: January/February 2009 — Subscribe Now!

The classic Cuban sandwich inspired this recipe. The original is made with ham, roasted pork, Swiss cheese and pickles pressed and griddled between two pieces of soft white bread. Our version cuts down on the meat and is served on a soft whole-wheat bun. Feel free to press it in a panini maker to make it crispy. Serve with vinegary coleslaw.

4 servings

Active Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Nutrition Profile

Ingredients

4 4-ounce boneless pork chops, 1/2 inch thick, trimmed
2 thin slices Swiss cheese, (1 ounce each), cut in half
4 dill pickle sandwich slices
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 tablespoon canola oil
4 whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
4 slices tomato
2 romaine lettuce leaves, cut in half

Preparation

Cut each pork chop nearly in half horizontally, stopping short of the opposite side. Open each chop and place between sheets of plastic wrap. Pound with a meat mallet or heavy skillet until flattened to an even thickness, slightly thicker than 1/8 inch.
Place a piece of cheese and a pickle slice on one side of each flattened chop. Fold the chop over the filling, closing it like a book. Press the edges firmly together to seal. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the stuffed chops, reduce heat to medium and cook until golden brown and cooked through, 3 to 5 minutes per side.
To assemble sandwiches, spread the toasted buns with mustard and top each with a pork chop, tomato slice and lettuce.

Nutrition

Per serving: 353 calories; 15 g fat (5 g sat, 6 g mono); 79 mg cholesterol; 25 g carbohydrates; 29 g protein; 4 g fiber; 612 mg sodium; 522 mg potassium.

Nutrition Bonus: Calcium (19% daily value), Magnesium (16% dv), Potassium (15% dv).

1 1/2 Carbohydrate Serving

Exchanges: 1 1/2 starch, 3 lean meat, 1 fat