Primanti Brothers is a legendary sandwich shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, famous for its mouth-watering sandwiches piled high with coleslaw and fries. For over 80 years, this family-owned business has been serving up some of the city’s best eats, and people come from all over to taste their signature sandwiches. If you’re craving a Primanti Brothers sandwich but can’t make it to Pittsburgh, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to make a Primanti Brothers sandwich at home, just like the pros do.
A Brief History of Primanti Brothers
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a brief look at the history of Primanti Brothers. The shop was founded in 1933 by Joe Primanti, an Italian immigrant who came to the United States in search of a better life. Joe started out selling sandwiches from a cart in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, a bustling neighborhood filled with markets, shops, and restaurants. As his business grew, Joe moved into a small storefront and began serving up his famous sandwiches to the local community.
Over the years, Primanti Brothers has become a beloved institution in Pittsburgh, attracting visitors from all over the world. The shop has been featured on food TV shows, and its sandwiches have been named one of the best in the country by numerous publications.
The Anatomy of a Primanti Brothers Sandwich
So, what makes a Primanti Brothers sandwich so special? The answer lies in the combination of ingredients and the way they’re prepared. A classic Primanti Brothers sandwich consists of:
- Thinly sliced meat (such as roast beef, turkey, or ham)
- Melted cheese (such as provolone or cheddar)
- Crunchy coleslaw
- Crisp French fries
- Soft, fresh bread
The key to a great Primanti Brothers sandwich is the balance of flavors and textures. The meat provides protein and flavor, while the cheese adds creaminess and richness. The coleslaw adds a tangy crunch, while the fries provide a satisfying crunch. And let’s not forget the bread – soft and fresh, it holds everything together.
Choosing the Right Meat
When it comes to choosing the right meat for your Primanti Brothers sandwich, you have several options. Here are a few popular choices:
- Roast beef: Thinly sliced roast beef is a classic choice for Primanti Brothers sandwiches. Look for a high-quality roast beef that’s been slow-cooked to perfection.
- Turkey: Sliced turkey breast is another popular choice for Primanti Brothers sandwiches. Look for a lean, low-sodium option.
- Ham: Thinly sliced ham is a great option for those who prefer a salty, savory flavor.
Making the Coleslaw
The coleslaw is a crucial component of a Primanti Brothers sandwich. Here’s a simple recipe to make coleslaw at home:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded cabbage and carrots.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, cider vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture and toss until everything is well coated.
- Chill the slaw in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Cooking the Fries
The French fries are another essential component of a Primanti Brothers sandwich. Here’s a simple recipe to make French fries at home:
Ingredients:
- 2-3 large potatoes
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt to taste
Instructions:
- Cut the potatoes into long, thin strips.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F.
- Carefully add the potato strips to the hot oil and fry until they’re golden brown.
- Remove the fries from the oil and drain on paper towels.
- Sprinkle the fries with salt to taste.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Lay a slice of bread on a flat surface.
- Add a layer of meat on top of the bread.
- Add a layer of cheese on top of the meat.
- Spoon a generous helping of coleslaw on top of the cheese.
- Add a few French fries on top of the slaw.
- Place the second slice of bread on top of the fries.
- Cut the sandwich in half and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your Primanti Brothers sandwich to the next level:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The key to a great Primanti Brothers sandwich is using high-quality ingredients. Look for fresh bread, lean meats, and crunchy coleslaw.
- Experiment with different meats: While roast beef, turkey, and ham are classic choices, feel free to experiment with different meats such as corned beef, pastrami, or even grilled chicken.
- Add some spice: If you like a little heat in your sandwich, add some sliced jalapeños or hot peppers to the mix.
- Use different types of cheese: While provolone and cheddar are classic choices, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as Swiss, American, or even blue cheese.
Conclusion
Making a Primanti Brothers sandwich at home is easier than you think. With a few simple ingredients and some basic cooking skills, you can create a delicious sandwich that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Whether you’re a Pittsburgh native or just a fan of great food, a Primanti Brothers sandwich is a must-try. So go ahead, give it a try, and taste the magic of Primanti Brothers for yourself.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Meat (roast beef, turkey, or ham) | 6 oz |
| Cheese (provolone or cheddar) | 2 slices |
| Coleslaw | 1 cup |
| French fries | 6-8 fries |
| Bread | 2 slices |
By following this recipe and using high-quality ingredients, you’ll be able to create a delicious Primanti Brothers sandwich that’s sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
What is a Primanti Brothers Sandwich?
A Primanti Brothers Sandwich is a type of sandwich that originated from Primanti Bros., a famous sandwich shop in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is known for its unique combination of coleslaw and fries piled high on top of the sandwich, in addition to the traditional meat and cheese.
The Primanti Brothers Sandwich has become a staple of Pittsburgh cuisine and is often associated with the city’s rich cultural heritage. The sandwich is typically made with a crusty Italian bread, which provides a sturdy base for the generous helping of coleslaw, fries, and other toppings.
What type of bread is traditionally used for a Primanti Brothers Sandwich?
The traditional bread used for a Primanti Brothers Sandwich is a crusty Italian bread. This type of bread is ideal for holding the generous toppings and providing a sturdy base for the sandwich. The crusty Italian bread is typically baked fresh daily and has a slightly crispy crust on the outside, while remaining soft on the inside.
When selecting a bread for your Primanti Brothers Sandwich, look for a crusty Italian bread that is fresh and has a good texture. You can also consider using a similar type of bread, such as a French baguette or a Ciabatta, if you can’t find a traditional Italian bread.
What are the essential toppings for a Primanti Brothers Sandwich?
The essential toppings for a Primanti Brothers Sandwich include coleslaw, fries, and a protein of your choice, such as roast beef, turkey, or ham. The coleslaw and fries are what set the Primanti Brothers Sandwich apart from other sandwiches, and they provide a unique flavor and texture combination.
In addition to the coleslaw and fries, you can also add cheese, such as provolone or cheddar, to your Primanti Brothers Sandwich. Other toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and onions, are optional and can be added to suit your taste preferences.
How do I assemble a Primanti Brothers Sandwich?
Assembling a Primanti Brothers Sandwich is relatively straightforward. Start by slicing the bread in half and placing the bottom half on a flat surface. Next, add a layer of coleslaw, followed by a layer of fries. Then, add your protein of choice, such as roast beef or turkey, on top of the fries.
Finally, add a layer of cheese, if desired, and top with the top half of the bread. You can also add other toppings, such as lettuce and tomato, to suit your taste preferences. Be careful when handling the sandwich, as the coleslaw and fries can make it messy.
Can I customize my Primanti Brothers Sandwich?
Yes, you can customize your Primanti Brothers Sandwich to suit your taste preferences. While the traditional toppings include coleslaw, fries, and a protein of your choice, you can also add other toppings, such as cheese, lettuce, tomato, and onions.
Feel free to get creative with your Primanti Brothers Sandwich and experiment with different combinations of toppings. Some popular variations include adding grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers and onions, or using different types of cheese, such as cheddar or Swiss.
How do I make the coleslaw for a Primanti Brothers Sandwich?
The coleslaw for a Primanti Brothers Sandwich is typically made with shredded cabbage, mayonnaise, and vinegar. To make the coleslaw, start by shredding the cabbage and placing it in a bowl. Next, mix in mayonnaise and vinegar until the cabbage is well coated.
You can also add other ingredients, such as grated carrot or onion, to the coleslaw to suit your taste preferences. Be sure to refrigerate the coleslaw for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Can I make a Primanti Brothers Sandwich ahead of time?
While it’s possible to make a Primanti Brothers Sandwich ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the sandwich just before serving. The coleslaw and fries can make the sandwich messy, and the bread can become soggy if it’s assembled too far in advance.
If you need to make a Primanti Brothers Sandwich ahead of time, consider preparing the individual components, such as the coleslaw and fries, and assembling the sandwich just before serving. This will help ensure that the sandwich stays fresh and the bread remains crispy.