Manchego Cheese, Serrano Ham and Truffle Sandwiches

, from Issue #20. August, 2015
Photography by Nick Tresidder.
Manchego Cheese, Serrano Ham and Truffle Sandwiches

These emparedados calientes or hot sandwiches are on the menu at Tapas 24 in Barcelona where they call them the Bikini Comerç 24. A word of warning: these are the best and possibly the most expensive toasted sandwiches you will ever eat.

INGREDIENTS

8 slices white sandwich bread
4 slices Serrano ham
Manchego cheese
2-3 teaspoons black truffle paste
olive oil or soft butter

METHOD

Brush one side of each slice of bread with soft butter or olive oil. Place buttered side down and spread with a smear of truffle paste. Cover 4 slices with the ham then with thinly sliced Manchego cheese. Top with another slice of bread, truffle side down and cut off the crusts.

Preheat a flat grill plate or non-stick sauté pan until medium hot. Cook the sandwiches for 1 minute on each side or until golden.

Transfer to a board, cut into triangles and serve immediately. Makes 16 sandwiches

Pantry Note: Truffle paste is available at specialty food stores.