Western PA Ham BBQ Sandwiches

Growing up in Western Pennsylvania, Ham BBQ is ubiquitous. You find it in the deli at the market, church pot lucks, even at the gift shop/lunch counter at the local hospital.

When I moved to upstate NY, I was saddened that no one knew what chipped ham was, let alone a ham BBQ.

This is such a delicious sandwich that I had to share it with you.  I hope you enjoy a little bite of Western Pennsylvania.

 

1 cup ketchup

½ cup water

1 tablespoon white vinegar

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

½ small onion, finely diced

½ small green pepper finely diced

1 teaspoon yellow mustard

1 pound of chipped ham (ask the deli attendant to shave it, it will work fine)

*If you like a sweeter sauce, add a pinch of brown sugar, but there is sugar in ketchup, so taste before adding!

Soften the onion and green pepper in the butter or margarine. When they are soft and the onions are translucent, add everything except for the ham. Stir to combine well and simmer for 3-5 minutes. Add the ham and simmer on medium low for about 45 minutes. Stir every 5 minutes or so, just to make sure that the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of your pan and burn.

Serve on a hamburger bun.

Dill pickles are a traditional side to this sandwich.