Basque Ham Cutter with Piquillo Pepper Aioli

Ingredients

• 200g (7oz) thinly sliced Basque ham 200g (7oz) thinly sliced Basque ham
• 4 crusty bread rolls 4 crusty bread rolls
• 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise 1 cup (240ml) mayonnaise
• 4-5 Piquillo peppers, roasted and peeled 4-5 Piquillo peppers, roasted and peeled
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 35g, 5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 20g, 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Fiber: 1g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. 2.
   Slice the crusty bread rolls in half and lightly toast them in the oven until golden brown.
3. 3.
   In a blender or food processor, combine the mayonnaise, roasted Piquillo peppers, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy.
4. 4.
   Spread a generous amount of the Piquillo Pepper Aioli on both sides of the toasted bread rolls.
5. 5.
   Layer the thinly sliced Basque ham on the bottom half of each roll.
6. 6.
   Close the sandwiches and serve immediately.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Basque ham — Choose a high-quality, thinly sliced Basque ham for the best flavor and texture.
• Piquillo peppers — If you can't find roasted Piquillo peppers, you can substitute with roasted red bell peppers for a similar taste.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the Piquillo Pepper Aioli.
• If you prefer a spicier aioli, add a small amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce.
• Serve the Ham Cutter with a side of pickles or olives for a traditional Basque accompaniment.
• Experiment with different types of bread rolls, such as sourdough or ciabatta, to add variety to the dish.
• To make the dish more substantial, you can add lettuce, tomato slices, or even a fried egg to the sandwich.

Serving advice

Serve the Basque Ham Cutter warm, allowing the flavors to meld together. Accompany it with a fresh green salad or a side of crispy French fries for a satisfying meal.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, cut the sandwiches in half diagonally and secure each half with a toothpick. Arrange them on a wooden serving board or a platter, garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or chives.