“This dish is almost a cliché in Navarra, but it’s absolutely delicious,” says Alex Raij. “The Spanish ham keeps the fish from drying out, basting it with its inimitable fat.” Slideshow: More Classic Recipes to Try
How to Make It
Preheat the oven to 325°. Season the trout fillets with salt and pepper. Press 1 slice of ham onto the skinless side of each fillet.
In a large nonstick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of the olive oil until shimmering. Add 3 of the trout fillets, ham side down, and cook over moderately high heat until the ham is crisp, about 3 minutes. Turn the fillets and cook until the skin is crisp, about 1 minute. Transfer the trout fillets to a large rimmed baking sheet, ham side up. Cook the remaining fillets in 1 more tablespoon of olive oil and transfer to the baking sheet. Keep the fish warm in the oven.
In the skillet, heat the remaining 1/4 cup of olive oil. Add the garlic and cook over moderate heat until golden, about 2 minutes. Add the chile and cook for 1 minute. Add the parsley, vinegar and a pinch of salt. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Transfer the trout to plates, ham side up. Spoon the chile-garlic oil over the fish and serve right away.