Serrano Ham Salad with Almond Garlic Sauce

Ingredients

• 0.1 teaspoon pepper black
• 1  garlic clove 
• 3 tablespoons olive oil extra-virgin
• 0.3 teaspoon pepper sauce such as tabasco hot
• 7 oz piquillo peppers* dry spanish rinsed drained
• 1 lb the of 1 cos lettuce 
• 0.5 teaspoon salt 
• 0.3 lb serrano ham thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon sherry vinegar 
• 0.5 cup slivered blanched almonds cooled toasted (3 oz)
• 0.5 cup water 

Equipment

• knife
• blender
• mortar and pestle

Directions

1. Mince garlic and mash to a paste with salt using a heavy knife or a mortar and pestle.
2. Transfer to a blender along with 1/2 cup almonds, water, oil, vinegar, hot sauce, and black pepper, then blend until dressing is very smooth, about 1 minute. Coarsely chop remaining 2 tablespoons almonds.
3. Cut a lengthwise slit in peppers and discard any seeds, then cut peppers into 1/4-inch-wide strips.
4. Divide romaine and peppers among 4 plates, then arrange ham on top.
5. Drizzle each serving with some dressing and sprinkle with chopped almonds.
6. Serve remaining dressing on the side.
7. *Available at specialty foods shops, some supermarkets, and The Spanish Table (206-682-2827).