The Chicago-style 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 consists of tender, slow-cooked beef, served in a crusty roll and topped with a tangy giardiniera and a sprinkle of melted mozzarella cheese. In this article, we’ll take you through the steps to make a authentic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich that will transport your taste buds to the streets of Chicago.
A Brief History of the Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich
The origins of the Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich date back to the early 20th century, when Italian immigrants arrived in the city and brought with them their culinary traditions. The sandwich is believed to have been created by Italian beef vendors who served thinly sliced roast beef in a roll to hungry workers at the city’s stockyards and factories. Over time, the sandwich evolved to include the distinctive giardiniera and melted mozzarella cheese that are hallmarks of the Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed
To make a Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich, you’ll need the following ingredients and equipment:
- 3-4 pound beef roast (such as top round or rump roast)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup giardiniera (see below for recipe)
- 4 crusty Italian rolls
- 4 slices mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Slow cooker or Dutch oven
- Meat slicer or sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Cheese grater
Giardiniera Recipe
Giardiniera is a spicy pickled vegetable mix that is a key component of the Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich. To make giardiniera, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 cup chopped hot peppers (such as sport peppers or banana peppers)
- 1 cup chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped cauliflower
- 1 cup chopped carrots
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Preparing the Beef
The beef is the star of the Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich, and it’s essential to cook it to perfection. Here’s how to prepare the beef:
Step 1: Seasoning the Beef
Rub the beef roast with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to allow the seasonings to penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Searing the Beef
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef roast until it’s browned on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove the beef from the pot and set it aside.
Step 3: Cooking the Beef
Add the sliced onion to the pot and cook until it’s softened and caramelized, about 20-25 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the beef broth to the pot and bring to a boil. Return the beef to the pot and cover with a lid. Transfer the pot to the oven and cook at 300°F for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and falls apart easily.
Step 4: Slicing the Beef
Remove the beef from the pot and let it cool to room temperature. Slice the beef thinly against the grain using a meat slicer or sharp knife.
Assembling the Sandwich
Now it’s time to assemble the sandwich. Here’s how:
Step 1: Toasting the Rolls
Preheat the broiler and toast the Italian rolls until they’re lightly browned.
Step 2: Assembling the Sandwich
Slice the toasted rolls in half and place the bottom half on a cutting board. Add a few slices of the beef to the roll, followed by a spoonful of giardiniera. Top with a slice of mozzarella cheese and place the top half of the roll on the sandwich.
Step 3: Serving the Sandwich
Serve the sandwich immediately and enjoy! You can also add additional toppings such as marinara sauce or sautéed spinach to the sandwich.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to help you make the perfect Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The quality of the ingredients is essential to making a great Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich. Use a good-quality beef roast and fresh vegetables for the giardiniera.
- Cook the beef low and slow: Cooking the beef low and slow is essential to making it tender and flavorful. Use a slow cooker or Dutch oven to cook the beef for 3-4 hours.
- Use a meat slicer: A meat slicer is essential to slicing the beef thinly and evenly. If you don’t have a meat slicer, use a sharp knife to slice the beef.
- Add additional toppings: Consider adding additional toppings such as marinara sauce or sautéed spinach to the sandwich.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Beef roast | 3-4 pounds |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Onion | 1 |
| Garlic | 3 cloves |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Giardiniera | 1 cup |
| Italian rolls | 4 |
| Mozzarella cheese | 4 slices |
By following these steps and tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich that’s sure to please even the most discerning palates. Whether you’re a native Chicagoan or just a fan of the city’s culinary scene, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite.
What is a Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich?
A Chicago-Style 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 used in a Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich?
The type of roast beef used in a Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich is typically a top round or round tip roast. This cut of beef is lean and tender, making it ideal for slicing thinly and serving in a sandwich.
The roast beef is usually slow-cooked in a flavorful broth, which helps to keep the meat moist and adds depth to the overall flavor of the sandwich. Some recipes may also call for the addition of Italian seasonings, such as oregano and basil, to give the roast beef an extra boost of flavor.
What is giardiniera and how is it used in a Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich?
Giardiniera is a type of spicy pickled vegetable mix that is commonly used in Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwiches. It typically consists of a combination of hot peppers, onions, cauliflower, and sometimes carrots, all pickled in a spicy vinegar-based brine.
Giardiniera adds a tangy, slightly spicy flavor to the sandwich, which helps to balance out the richness of the roast beef. It’s usually served on top of the sandwich, and some people also like to dip their sandwich in the juices from the giardiniera for extra flavor.
What is au jus and how is it used in a Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich?
Au jus is the French term for “in its own juice,” and in the context of a Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich, it refers to the juices from the roast beef. The au jus is typically served on the side of the sandwich, and it’s used to dip the sandwich in, adding extra flavor and moisture to the meat.
The au jus is usually made by deglazing the pan in which the roast beef was cooked, scraping up all the browned bits and flavorful residue. This creates a rich, savory sauce that’s perfect for dipping the sandwich in.
How do I assemble a Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich?
Assembling a Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich is relatively straightforward. Start by slicing the roast beef thinly against the grain, and then place it in a crusty roll. Add a spoonful of giardiniera on top of the meat, followed by a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
Finally, serve the sandwich with a side of au jus for dipping. Some people also like to add a sprinkle of dried oregano or basil on top of the sandwich for extra flavor. The key is to keep the sandwich simple and let the flavors of the roast beef, giardiniera, and au jus shine through.
Can I make a Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich at home?
Yes, you can make a Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich at home. While it may require a bit of effort to slow-cook the roast beef and make the giardiniera and au jus from scratch, the end result is well worth it.
To make a Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich at home, start by selecting a high-quality top round or round tip roast. Slow-cook the roast beef in a flavorful broth, and then slice it thinly against the grain. Meanwhile, make the giardiniera and au jus according to your recipe, and assemble the sandwich as desired.
What are some variations of the Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich?
While the traditional Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich is a classic, there are many variations that you can try to mix things up. Some popular variations include adding melted mozzarella cheese to the sandwich, using different types of hot peppers in the giardiniera, or serving the sandwich with a side of marinara sauce.
You can also try using different types of bread, such as a crusty sub roll or a hearty sourdough. Some people even like to add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil on top of the sandwich for extra flavor. The key is to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.