The Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich is a staple of the Windy City’s culinary scene, and its popularity has spread far beyond the city limits. This mouth-watering sandwich is a masterclass in flavors and textures, with tender beef, crispy bread, and a tangy giardiniera that will leave you wanting more. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to make a authentic Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Chicago.
A Brief History of the Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich
The origins of the Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich are shrouded in mystery, but it’s widely believed to have originated in the 1930s in Chicago’s Little Italy. The sandwich was created by Italian immigrants who brought their culinary traditions with them to America. They took the classic Italian dish of slow-cooked beef in a rich broth and served it on a crusty roll, adding a dash of giardiniera for extra flavor.
Over time, the sandwich gained popularity throughout Chicago, with each neighborhood developing its own unique twist on the recipe. Today, the Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich is a beloved institution, with restaurants and delis throughout the city serving up their own versions of this delicious sandwich.
Ingredients and Equipment
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a look at the ingredients and equipment you’ll need to make a authentic Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich.
Meat
- 3-4 pounds beef top round or round tip, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Bread
- 4-6 Italian bread rolls (preferably from a local bakery)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
Giardiniera
- 1 cup giardiniera (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Cheese
- 4-6 slices provolone cheese (optional)
Broth
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Equipment
- Large Dutch oven or pot with a lid
- Slow cooker (optional)
- Meat slicer (optional)
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Tongs or slotted spoon
- Cheesecloth or a clean cotton cloth
Preparing the Meat
The key to a great Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich is the meat. You’ll want to use a high-quality beef top round or round tip, sliced into thin strips. Here’s how to prepare the meat:
Step 1: Season the Meat
In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Rub the mixture all over the beef strips, making sure to coat them evenly.
Step 2: Sear the Meat
Heat a large Dutch oven or pot over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and sear them until they’re browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the meat from the pot and set it aside.
Step 3: Cook the Meat
Add the beef broth, water, dried oregano, dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the pot. Stir to combine, then add the browned meat back to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 2-3 hours, or until the meat is tender and falls apart easily.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now that the meat is cooked, it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Here’s how:
Step 1: Slice the Meat
Using a meat slicer or a sharp knife, slice the cooked meat into thin strips.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Slice the Italian bread rolls in half and place them on a baking sheet. Dot the tops with the softened butter and bake until the bread is toasted and lightly browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
To assemble the sandwich, place a few slices of the meat onto the bottom half of the bread roll. Add a spoonful of the giardiniera on top of the meat, followed by a slice or two of provolone cheese (if using). Place the top half of the bread roll on the sandwich and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you take your Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich to the next level:
Use a Slow Cooker
If you don’t have time to cook the meat on the stovetop, you can use a slow cooker instead. Simply brown the meat in a skillet, then transfer it to the slow cooker with the broth and spices. Cook on low for 8-10 hours, or until the meat is tender.
Add Some Spice
If you like a little heat in your sandwich, you can add some red pepper flakes to the meat or the giardiniera.
Use a Different Type of Cheese
While provolone is the traditional cheese used in a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich, you can also use mozzarella or cheddar instead.
Make Your Own Giardiniera
If you can’t find giardiniera in your local grocery store, you can make your own using a combination of pickled vegetables, such as cauliflower, carrots, and hot peppers.
Conclusion
The Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich is a delicious and iconic sandwich that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. With its tender beef, crispy bread, and tangy giardiniera, this sandwich is a must-try for anyone who loves Italian food. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can make a authentic Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Chicago.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef top round or round tip | 3-4 pounds |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | 1 teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Italian bread rolls | 4-6 |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tablespoons |
| Giardiniera | 1 cup |
| Provolone cheese | 4-6 slices |
| Beef broth | 2 cups |
| Water | 1 cup |
By following this recipe and using the ingredients listed in the table above, you’ll be able to create a delicious and authentic Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
What is a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich?
A Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich is a type of sandwich that originated in Chicago, Illinois. It typically consists of thinly sliced roast beef, served in a crusty roll, and topped with giardiniera, a spicy pickled vegetable mix, and au jus, the juices from the roast beef.
The sandwich is often associated with Italian-American cuisine and is a staple in many Chicago restaurants and delis. The combination of tender roast beef, crunchy giardiniera, and savory au jus creates a unique flavor profile that is both hearty and delicious.
What type of roast beef is best for a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich?
The best type of roast beef for a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich is a top round or round tip roast. This cut of beef is lean and tender, making it perfect for slicing thinly and serving in a sandwich. It’s also relatively inexpensive compared to other cuts of beef, which makes it a great option for a casual sandwich.
When selecting a roast beef, look for one that is labeled “top round” or “round tip.” You can also ask your butcher for a recommendation. If you can’t find a top round or round tip roast, you can also use a sirloin or ribeye roast, but keep in mind that these cuts may be slightly fattier and more expensive.
How do I slice the roast beef for a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich?
To slice the roast beef for a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich, you’ll want to use a meat slicer or a sharp knife. Slice the beef against the grain, which means slicing in the direction of the lines of muscle in the meat. This will help to create tender and easy-to-chew slices.
If you don’t have a meat slicer, you can also use a sharp knife to slice the beef. Try to slice the beef as thinly as possible, aiming for slices that are about 1/8 inch thick. You can also slice the beef while it’s still slightly frozen, which will make it easier to slice thinly.
What is giardiniera and how do I make it?
Giardiniera is a spicy pickled vegetable mix that is typically served on top of a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich. It’s made with a variety of vegetables, including hot peppers, onions, and cauliflower, which are pickled in a spicy brine.
To make giardiniera, you’ll need to combine sliced hot peppers, onions, and cauliflower in a bowl. Then, you’ll need to create a brine by mixing together vinegar, water, and spices. Pour the brine over the vegetables and let them sit for at least 24 hours to allow them to pickle. You can also add other ingredients to the giardiniera, such as garlic or carrots, to give it extra flavor.
How do I make au jus for a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich?
Au jus is the juices from the roast beef that are served on the side of a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich. To make au jus, you’ll need to save the juices from the roast beef as it cooks. You can do this by placing the roast beef in a roasting pan and cooking it in the oven.
As the roast beef cooks, the juices will collect in the bottom of the pan. You can then strain the juices and serve them on the side of the sandwich. You can also add a little bit of beef broth or wine to the juices to give them extra flavor. To serve the au jus, simply ladle it into a bowl and serve it on the side of the sandwich.
How do I assemble a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich?
To assemble a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich, you’ll need to start with a crusty roll. You can use a Italian bread or a French bread, whichever you prefer. Slice the roll in half and place it on a plate.
Next, add sliced roast beef to the roll. You can add as much or as little beef as you like, depending on your preference. Then, add a spoonful of giardiniera on top of the beef. Finally, serve the au jus on the side of the sandwich. You can also add other toppings to the sandwich, such as cheese or hot peppers, if you like.
Can I make a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich ahead of time?
Yes, you can make a Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich ahead of time. In fact, the flavors of the sandwich will meld together even more if you make it ahead of time. To make the sandwich ahead of time, simply cook the roast beef and let it cool. Then, slice the beef and store it in the refrigerator.
You can also make the giardiniera and au jus ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator. To assemble the sandwich, simply slice the roll and add the beef, giardiniera, and au jus. You can also make the entire sandwich ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day. Simply let it come to room temperature before serving.