Craving a festive, flavor-packed sandwich? Panes con Pavo—also known as the Salvadoran turkey sandwich—brings together tender oven-roasted turkey, a spiced sauce, and crisp vegetables, all nestled inside a fresh roll. Commonly served during special occasions and holidays in El Salvador, this dish makes the perfect centerpiece for family gatherings.
Why This Traditional Panes con Pavo Holiday Dish Shines
- Rich, Layered Flavors: A hearty, spiced sauce and juicy, marinated turkey create a sandwich that bursts with savory goodness.
- Festive Appeal: Typically enjoyed during holiday meals or large celebrations, Panes con Pavo brings a touch of tradition and warmth to any table.
- Adaptable Serving Style: Serve it with a variety of crunchy vegetables, or enjoy extra sauce for dipping—either way, this Salvadoran turkey sandwich is a showstopper.
Ingredients for Panes con Pavo (Salvadoran Turkey Sandwiches)
Yield: 10 Servings
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 4 hours 30 minutes
Marinating Time: 24 hours
Total Time: 1 day 5 hours 30 minutes
For the Turkey
- 1 whole turkey
- ¼ cup softened butter
- ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
- ¼ cup yellow mustard
- 1 tablespoon coarse salt
- 1½ teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1½ teaspoons adobo seasoning (or other savory spice blend)
Relajo Spice Mix
- ⅓ cup raw sesame seeds
- ¼ cup raw peanuts
- ¼ cup raw pumpkin seeds
- 1 dried chili pepper, destemmed and deseeded
- 2 teaspoons dried thyme
Sauce
- 2 medium green peppers
- 2 quartered yellow onions
- 2 cans chopped tomatoes
- 1 can tomato and onion mix
- 1 bunch cilantro
- 1 bunch flat-leaf parsley
- 2 celery sticks, chopped
- 3 bay leaves
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Olives, to taste
Assembly
- 10 large sandwich rolls
- 10 romaine lettuce leaves
- 30 tomato slices
- 30 cucumber slices
- Radishes, to taste
- Watercress, to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions for an Authentic Panes con Pavo
1: Prepare and Marinate the Turkey
- Rinse and Dry: Start by rinsing the turkey thoroughly inside and out. Pat it dry using paper towels.
- Create the Marinade: In a bowl, blend softened butter, Worcestershire sauce, yellow mustard, coarse salt, black pepper, and adobo into a runny paste.
- Coat the Turkey: Rub this mixture all over the turkey, including under the skin of the breast and wings.
- Poke and Infuse: Use a small, sharp knife to make shallow incisions throughout the turkey, allowing the marinade to penetrate deeply.
- Marinate Overnight: Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to intensify the flavors.
2: Roast the Turkey to Perfection
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Begin Roasting: Transfer the marinated turkey into a deep roasting pan and place it in the oven. Roast uncovered for about 30–40 minutes, checking for browning after 20 minutes.
- Flip if Needed: Turn the turkey to brown it evenly on all sides.
3: Toast the Relajo Spice Mix
- Heat a Dry Pan: Warm a frying pan over medium heat.
- Toast Your Spices: Stir the sesame seeds, peanuts, pumpkin seeds, dried chili pepper, and thyme constantly until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Cool the Mix: Remove the toasted ingredients from the pan and let them cool before blending.
Step 4: Prepare the Savory Salvadoran Sauce
- Char the Vegetables: Heat a separate pan over high heat. Char the quartered onions and whole green peppers until they develop a slightly blackened exterior.
- Peel and Seed: Once blistered, remove the peppers from heat. Halve them and discard the seeds, as well as any loose skin.
- Blend the Sauce: In a blender, combine the charred onions, peppers, toasted spice mix, chopped tomatoes, tomato-and-onion mix, celery, parsley, cilantro, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Blend until smooth.
5: Slow-Cook the Turkey in the Sauce
- Cover the Turkey: Remove the partially roasted turkey from the oven. Generously pour the blended sauce over it, ensuring the sauce seeps into every fold.
- Add Extras: Tuck the bay leaves into the sauce and scatter olives throughout for extra flavor.
- Lower Heat and Bake: Reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). Continue baking for around 3 hours, or until the turkey becomes tender. If it browns too quickly, loosely cover it with foil.
6: Assemble Your Salvadoran Panes con Pavo
- Cool and Slice: Allow the turkey to cool slightly, then carve it into thin slices.
- Slice the Rolls: Open each roll to create a pocket for the fillings.
- Layer the Ingredients: Start by adding sliced turkey, then top with romaine lettuce, tomato slices, cucumber slices, radishes, and a handful of watercress.
- Finish with Sauce: Drizzle more savory turkey sauce on top or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
7: Serve and Enjoy the Holiday Sandwich
- Serve Warm: Panes con Pavo is best enjoyed straight out of the oven with a generous spoonful of sauce.
- Add Extra Crunch: If you like an added crunch, toast the sandwich rolls lightly before assembling.
- Dig In: Relish every bite of this flavorful, comforting Salvadoran turkey sandwich.
Pro Tips for the Best Salvadoran Turkey Sandwich
- Marinate Overnight: Letting the turkey soak in the marinade for a full day ensures intense, delicious flavors.
- Citrus Twist: Add a splash of orange juice to the marinade for a subtle zesty note.
- Customize the Heat: Feel free to include extra chili peppers if you prefer a spicier punch.
FAQs: Common Questions About Panes con Pavo
Q: Can I use turkey breast instead of a whole turkey?
A: Absolutely. Roasting a bone-in turkey breast works well, and you can shorten the cook time accordingly.
Q: How long does the sauce keep?
A: Stored in a sealed container, the sauce remains fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Q: What sides complement Panes con Pavo?
A: Pair it with Salvadoran curtido (fermented cabbage slaw), fried plantains, or yuca fries for an authentic Central American feast.
Indulge in these Panes con Pavo, a traditional Salvadoran holiday dish that brings people together through hearty flavors and cherished family traditions. Prepare to impress your guests with every savory, sauce-soaked bite! Enjoy.