Can we LEVEL UP a Ham Sandwich _ Sorted Food
### Article: Leveling Up the Ham Sandwich: A Culinary Adventure with Sorted Food
#### Introduction
"Hey, how's it going? Just thought I'd let you know... Yeah, I bought some cheese. Um, it's a ham sandwich we're making."
This casual exchange between two food enthusiasts kicks off an exciting journey into the world of sandwiches. In this article, we follow Sorted Food as they embark on a mission to "level up" the humble ham sandwich by sourcing the best ingredients and experimenting with flavors and textures.
---
#### The Vision: Breaking Down the Ham Sandwich
The video begins with a bold statement: "We thought the best way to level up a ham sandwich was to break it down into all its possible components." This approach is both innovative and meticulous. By analyzing the flavor profiles of each component—bread, ham, cheese, and condiments—they aim to create a balanced sandwich that delivers sweet, salty, fatty, creamy, and textural experiences.
The team hypothesizes about the ideal combination of ingredients but quickly realizes that this is just the beginning. "That's a good sandwich," they say, but it's only hypothetical. The real challenge lies in sourcing and preparing the ingredients to bring their vision to life.
---
#### Sourcing Ingredients: A Journey Through London
The adventure begins with a trip to find the perfect ham. The team splits tasks: one person handles bread and hams, while another focuses on fresh produce. They scour markets and specialty stores to gather an impressive array of ingredients:
- **Prosciutto cotto**: Smooth and fatty.
- **Coppa**: A cured, salty, smoky ham.
- **Mortadella**: Spicy with pistachios—sometimes mistaken for a sausage but beloved nonetheless.
- **Manchego cheese**: Nutty and funky.
Their journey through London highlights the importance of quality ingredients in transforming a simple sandwich into something extraordinary.
---
#### Preparing the Ingredients
The excitement builds as they prepare to make the sandwich. The bread is cut thick, ensuring it will hold up against the filling without becoming soggy. They toast the outside of the bread on a griddle pan to create crispy grill lines, while keeping the inside soft and fluffy.
Meanwhile, the aioli preparation takes center stage:
- **Aioli ingredients**: Egg yolks, garlic, rosemary, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and black pepper.
- The process involves slowly adding olive oil to emulsify the mixture, creating a creamy and flavorful base for the sandwich.
---
#### Assembly: Building the Perfect Sandwich
With all the ingredients prepped, it's time to assemble the sandwich. The team layers on:
- **Salted butter** for richness.
- **Garlic and rosemary aioli** for flavor.
- **Fresh tomatoes**, **prosciutto**, **mortadella**, and **coppa** for texture and umami.
- **Melted manchego cheese**, adding a nutty, creamy element.
- **Crisp gem lettuce** to balance the richness.
The result is a visually stunning sandwich with golden grill lines on the bread and oozy melted cheese inside. "It looks good," one of them remarks. "Epic," says the other. The team is clearly pleased with their creation.
---
#### Evaluation: Is This a Level Up or Game Over?
After tasting the sandwich, they reflect on its success:
- **Flavors**: Balanced and complex.
- **Texture**: Crispy outside, soft inside.
- **Cheese choice**: A game-changer in adding depth to the dish.
Despite their satisfaction, they wonder if they've gone overboard. "Have we taken the ham sandwich a level up, or is it game over?" They conclude that it's definitely a level up—but with room for improvement.
---
#### Next Steps and Naff Ideas
The video ends on a playful note as they discuss future projects:
- **Leveling up other foods**: They hint at tackling even more ambitious culinary challenges.
- **Naff ideas**: They joke about dad jokes and other "naff" concepts, setting the stage for fun and creative food experiments.
---
#### Conclusion: The Art of Sandwich Making
In the end, this video is a testament to the joy of cooking and experimenting with food. By focusing on quality ingredients, careful preparation, and attention to detail, Sorted Food transforms a simple ham sandwich into something extraordinary. Whether you're a professional chef or a home cook, their approach reminds us that even the most mundane dishes can be elevated with creativity and passion.
So, what's next for Sorted Food? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—they’re here to make food fun and delicious, one level-up at a time.