Saturday, January 14, 2012

Ham Sandwich Bar EME style (Triangulos estilo Bar EME)

To go to Bilbao and not try a sandwich at the bar EME is like going to New Orleans and not trying gumbo. This bar/restaurant has been in business for more than 50 years and is known for its triangle sandwiches made with homemade bread, homemade mayonnaise, and a secret red sauce. People have been trying to duplicate their sauce and in their pursuit they have created great sauces but not like the bar EME.



The name of the bar comes from its founder Emeterio and has been run by the same family for more than 50 years. When I was studying in Bilbao I would have lunch there at least twice a week and on Fridays after class I would stop by and buy a couple of sandwiches before catching the train back to my hometown. Today, without any intention of finding the secret recipe, I experimented making a sandwich that looks and tastes a bit like the original. In spite of not being the original it tastes great and is a delicious sandwich -  quick to prepare and a good addition to your lunch bag.


Ingredients:

red sauce
light mayonnaise 
thick slices of ham
rustic fresh bread
lettuce (Boston or Romaine hearts)

Red Sauce:

1 roasted red pepper if done at home or 1/2 jar roasted red peppers
2 anchovies
1 hard boiled egg
1 cup homemade or 1 small can tomato sauce
1 tablespoon mustard
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 teaspoon siracha sauce

Put all the ingredients in a blender and purée.

To assemble the sandwich, put the red sauce on one slice of bread until it is well soaked, add a slice of ham to cover the bread, add the lettuce and then the other slice soaked in mayonnaise that has been mixed with a bit of  warm water to make it lighter.

Let's see if you like the results.


If you ever go to Bilbao you have to try these sandwiches. The Bar EME is located at  C/ General Concha #5.

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