If you’re craving a sandwich in Spain, you might find “bikini mix” on the menu. Despite its beachy-sounding name, this dish doesn’t contain any seafood. Rather, the filling of the sandwich consists solely of ham and cheese. Once assembled, bake until the outside dough is nice and crispy and the cheese inside is melted and gooey. A twist on the classic grilled cheese.
Despite what the name may lead you to believe, the bikini sandwich has nothing to do with this country’s beaches. Instead, it was named after the location where it was first served. Barcelona’s La Sala Bikini opened in his 1953 and served as both a concert hall and a mini-golf course.
This entertainment venue took inspiration from the French croque monsieur sandwich, which combines ham, cheese, and a delicious béchamel sauce. However, due to the country’s language restrictions at the time, the venue could not call the sandwich by its actual name.
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French term could not be used in Spain
Francisco Franco was the dictator of Spain from 1936 to 1975. Franco promoted Spanish nationalism under his rule. In addition to that, he banned the use of other languages in the country, including French. He declared Spanish to be the only official and accepted language. This meant that French words and terms, including croque monsieur, could not be used.
La Sala Bikini could not be credited to the French for the invention of the cheese-filled ham sandwich, so it was instead listed on the menu simply as the house sandwich. However, as its popularity grew among diners, the food became almost synonymous with the establishment and was soon called the “bikini sandwich.” Even after the ban on the language was lifted, this name remained.
Today, sandwiches remain a popular meal in this country, especially enjoyed as a late-night bar snack or with tapas. The classic, of course, is just protein and meat tucked into grilled bread. But there are ways to enhance your sandwich by adding ingredients.
Sandwiches come in different versions
Several variations of the sandwich have appeared over the years. Some recipes suggest adding a few more ingredients, paying homage to the sandwich’s Spanish origins. Spanish chorizo (which differs from Mexican chorizo in appearance, flavor, and cooking method) and shrimp can add a bit of protein to your sandwich, and cheeses like Manchego and Iberico are regional favorites.
The type of bread you use can also add depth to your dish. Traditional white sandwich bread is usually used, but using sturdier Spanish bread will further amp up the flavor. Bread Cristal is a crispy bread originating from the Catalonia region of Spain that can be sliced and used in sandwiches.
Even restaurants around the world that serve this dish have put their own spin on it. You can order his three different versions of the Bikini Sandwich at New York’s Spanish Diner. The original ham and cheese, Bikini Cuatro Quesos with four types of cheese, or the breakfast version with the addition of avocado and a perfectly crispy fried egg. Los Angeles adds portobello mushrooms and truffles to his BCN sandwich with his aioli. No matter how you cook it, your sandwich will always stay warm, toasty, and cheesy.
Read the original article on Daily Meal.