CNN is bringing back some Anthony Bourdain episodes that previously received only one-time airing. That move has triggered a resurgence of interest in the late Master Chef’s life and work. Including the recipe for Bourdain’s fave sandwich…
One thing interviewers always ask celebrity Chefs is, “What’s your favourite food?”
In Bourdain’s case, it was ‘everything’. But he love sandwiches above all else. And his fave sandwich was (characteristically) a simple affair. It requires only 5 ingredients, most of which you’ll have on hand in your pantry already. And takes less than 5 minutes to prepare.
What’s in it
All you need to replicate Tony’s fave grab-and-go treat is:
- Mortadella (As much as you like. He used LOTS!)
- One or two slices of Provolone Cheese (2 of they’re thin!)
- A really FRESH Kaiser Roll
- Mustard
- and Mayonnaise
How to stack it
I really love Merlyn Miller‘s instructions for proper prep and assembly of the Bourdain Special (as recorded in Food & Wine)…
“Start by heating a small pan over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add a little neutral oil, like avocado or canola. Place the mortadella into the pan in three small piles. You’re looking to use around five to six slices of mortadella, and they should be clustered into little mounds of two or three slices each.
“Let the piles of mortadella sit until the edges are crisp and the bottoms turn golden brown. (The small heaps of deli meat help the edges to get crispy while the interior remains soft and tender.) Flip the stacks of mortadella and place a slice of cheese on each. Once the other side has browned as well, remove the meat from the pan and stack the piles on a plate.
“Now it’s time to toast the buns, and you’re almost finished with the sandwich. Slice the roll in half, then place the cut sides down on the pan used to cook the mortadella. (Optionally, spread a little mayo on each half of the bun before toasting to help them turn golden brown.) Let them toast until they’ve taken on some color, then turn off the heat.
“Spread mayo on one half of the roll and mustard on the other. Then, assemble everything with the melty cheese and piles of mortadella sandwiched between the pieces of bread…”
My Take
Couldn’t have said it better myself!
Okay. Yes, Mortadella is a processed food. Some would say Ultra-Processed. But a little taste of sin once in a while won’t buy you a ticket to Hell. And it may just spice up your life a little!
~ Maggie J.