Silence Of The Hams Recipe

Slice and season vegetables

Thinly slice the onion and roasted red pepper. In a bowl, toss the sliced vegetables with 1/2 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Set aside while you heat the pan so flavors marry.

If your ham is not already Cajun-seasoned, sprinkle 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning evenly over both sides of the ham slices and let rest for 5 minutes.

Heat 1/2 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the seasoned onions and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and beginning to caramelize, about 8–10 minutes. Add the roasted red pepper and cook another 2–3 minutes to warm through. Stir in remaining 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, taste and adjust salt/pepper. Remove vegetables from skillet and keep warm.

Split the rolls lengthwise but keep one side hinged if you prefer. Spread 1 tablespoon softened butter on the cut sides. Place cut-side down in a separate dry skillet over medium heat and toast until golden brown, about 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

In a small bowl mix mayonnaise and Dijon mustard. Spread evenly on the top halves of the toasted rolls.

Wipe the skillet used for the vegetables, return to medium-high heat and add a light film of oil. Add the Cajun-seasoned ham slices in a single layer and sear 1–2 minutes per side until warmed and slightly browned. If ham is thick, cook until heated through but not dry.

Lower heat to medium. On the bottom half of each toasted roll layer half the cheddar and half the Swiss slices. Top cheeses with the hot seared ham, then spoon the warm onion and pepper mixture over the ham. Finish with the remaining cheese slices so they sit on top of the vegetables (this helps them melt).

Cover the skillet with a lid or place a large pan over the sandwiches and return to low heat for 1–2 minutes, or place sandwiches under a broiler briefly (watch closely) until the cheese melts and becomes gooey.

If desired, sprinkle pickled jalapeño slices over the melted cheese for heat and chopped parsley for brightness. Close sandwiches, press gently, slice in half and serve immediately.

Serve with chips, fries or a simple green salad.