RestaurantsMain Street Cafe & Bakery (Ankeny)Ham, Avocado, & Arugula Sandwich Recipe

Ham, Avocado, & Arugula Sandwich Recipe

Time20m
Serves4

& Sundried Aioli

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Ingredients

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Sandwich

Optional assembly / toasting

Method

Sundried Tomato Aioli

1

Make the aioli

In a small bowl, combine 3 tbs mayonnaise, 3 tbs finely chopped sundried tomatoes, 1 tsp fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp olive oil from the sundried tomato jar (optional), 1/4 tsp smoked paprika, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Stir vigorously until smooth and homogenous. Taste and adjust seasoning or lemon juice as needed. Cover and refrigerate while preparing the rest of the sandwich so flavors meld (at least 10 minutes).

Sandwich

2

Prepare avocado

Halve and pit the 2 avocados. Scoop flesh into a bowl and mash lightly with a fork so there is some texture (or slice thinly if you prefer). Season the mashed avocado with 1 tsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper, mixing gently to combine. If using sliced avocado, sprinkle salt and pepper over slices after placing them on the bread.

3

Prepare tomatoes (optional)

If using the tomato, slice it thinly (about 1/8"). Lightly pat slices with a paper towel to remove excess moisture to avoid soggy bread.

4

Toast bread (optional)

If you prefer a toasted sandwich: spread about 1/2 tbs softened butter on one side of each of 4 bread slices. Heat a skillet over medium heat and toast buttered side down until golden, about 2 minutes per side. Alternatively, toast both sides in a toaster. Remove and let cool briefly.

5

Assemble sandwiches

Spread about 1 tbs of the sundried tomato aioli evenly on the unbuttered (or untoasted) side of each of the 4 bottom slices of bread. Divide the mashed (or sliced) avocado evenly among the 4 sandwiches, spreading it in an even layer atop the aioli. Layer 3 slices of deli ham on top of the avocado on each sandwich (total 12 slices divided). Add 1/2 cup baby arugula to each sandwich (total 4 cups divided). If using tomato, add 2-3 tomato slices per sandwich on top of the ham. Finish with a light additional smear (about 1/2 tbs) of aioli on the inside of each top bread slice and place tops over sandwiches.

6

Final seasoning and serve

Press sandwiches gently to compact. If desired, cut each sandwich in half on a diagonal. Serve immediately so the arugula stays crisp. Leftovers: wrap tightly and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bread may become softer as the avocado and tomato release moisture.