Cuban Egg Roll Recipes

AUTHENTIC CUBAN ROLLS

Steps:

• MANUAL METHOD: In a large bowl, combine all of the ingredients and stir till the dough starts to leave the sides of the bowl. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased surface, oil your hands, and knead it for 6 to 8 minutes, or until it begins to become smooth and supple. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl or dough-rising bucket, cover the bowl or bucket, and allow the dough to rise till puffy though not necessarily doubled in bulk, about 1 hour, depending on the warmth of your kitchen. Gently fold the dough in upon itself and turn it upside-down after 30 minutes; this "turn" helps eliminate some of the excess carbon dioxide and redistributes the yeast's food, both imperative for optimum yeast growth.
• MIXER METHOD: Combine the ingredients as directed at left, using a flat beater paddle or beaters, then switch to the dough hook(s) and knead for 5 to 8 minutes. Transfer the dough to a lightly greased bowl or dough-rising bucket, cover the bowl or bucket, and allow the dough to rise, with a turn, as directed above.
• BREAD MACHINE METHOD: Place all of the ingredients into the pan of your machine, program the machine for Manual or Dough, and press Start. Examine the dough about 10 minutes before the end of the final kneading cycle, and adjust its consistency with additional water or flour as needed, to produce a smooth, supple dough. Allow the machine to complete its cycle.
• Divide the dough into six pieces, and shape each piece into a rough log. Let the logs rest for 15 minutes, covered, then shape each piece into a smooth batard shape (a log about 8 inches long, slightly tapered at each end). Place the loaves on a parchment-lined or lightly greased baking sheet.
• Let the loaves rise, covered, for 1 hour. Brush or spray them with water, and slash one long lengthwise slit down the middle of each loaf. Preheat the oven to 375°F while the loaves are rising. Bake the bread for about 30 minutes, or until it's golden brown. Remove it from the oven, and cool it on a rack. The loaves may be made one day in advance and stored at room temperature, or several weeks in advance and frozen. Yield: 6 sandwich loaves.

CUBAN STYLE EGG ROLLS WITH CHIMICHURRI SAUCE

Steps:

• 1. First of all, you are going to want to make the chimichurri sauce (see step 4) and let it sit as long as possible to blend flavors. An hour to over night. You can use it right away but the longer it sits, the more flavorful! Next you will want to get your deep fryer or frying pan ready with your cooking oil. Bring the rice, water, lime juice and olive oil to a boil in sauce pan over high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer until the rice is tender and the liquid has been absorbed, 20-25 minutes.
• 2. Mix together all of the egg roll ingredients in large bowl. Stir in the pulled pork and combine. Add 1 cup of the chimichurri sauce to the rice mixture and mix well. Taste the mixture at this point to adjust the spices to suit your taste. If you think it needs more lime or lime zest you can add it now ... I usually do.
• 3. Take the egg roll wrappers and start filling them by putting some of the filling down the center of the wrapper and fold the wrapper egg roll style. Secure the end of wrapper with egg wash or water and continue wrapping as many egg rolls as needed. Use the left over rice mixture to serve at meal time.
• 4. FOR THE CHIMICHURRI SAUCE: In the bowl of a food processor, combine all of the ingredients for the chimichurri. Pulse until well blended but DO NOT PUREE. Add salt and pepper to taste. Use some of this sauce in the rice mixture but use the rest of this sauce to dip your egg rolls into.
• 5. Deep fry the egg rolls at 375 for a few minutes on each side or until golden brown on both sides of egg roll. Place fried egg rolls on a platter in single layer. Do not stack them please. Remember, everything on the inside of the egg roll was already cooked so there is not any problem with something not being done.