Hearts of Palm in Tomato Sauce (Palmito Guisado)

1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalape?o pepper, seeded and chopped
4 ounces fully cooked smoked ham, coarsely chopped (2/3 cup)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 (16 ounce) can whole tomatoes with liquid
2 tablespoons minced parsley
1 teaspoon vinegar
1/8 teaspoon pepper
2 (14 ounce) cans hearts of palm, rinsed drained and sliced 1/2 inch thick
Grated Parmesan cheese

Cook and stir onion, garlic, jalape?o peppers and ham in oil in skillet over medium heat until onion is tender. Add tomatoes, parsley, vinegar and pepper; break up tomatoes with fork. Heat to boiling; reduce heat. Simmer uncovered, stirring occasionally, until mixture is thickened, about 15 minutes. Stir in hearts of palm. Cover and simmer, stirring occasionally, until hearts of palm are hot, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with cheese.

Yields 6 servings.