Italian beef sandwiches are a staple of Chicago’s culinary scene, and for good reason. Thinly sliced roast beef, slow-cooked in a rich broth and served in a crusty roll with melted mozzarella cheese and a tangy giardiniera, is a flavor combination that’s hard to beat. But what sets a true Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich apart from its imitators? In this article, we’ll delve into the history of this beloved sandwich, explore the key ingredients and techniques that make it so special, and provide a step-by-step guide to making Italian beef sandwiches the Chicago way.
A Brief History of the Italian Beef Sandwich
The Italian beef sandwich has its roots in the early 20th century, when Italian immigrants came to the United States and brought their culinary traditions with them. In Chicago, these immigrants found work in the city’s meatpacking industry, where they developed a taste for the tough, flavorful cuts of beef that were often discarded by other butchers. By slow-cooking these cuts in a rich broth, they were able to create a tender, juicy meat that was perfect for serving in a sandwich.
The first Italian beef sandwiches were served at Chicago’s street carts and restaurants, where they quickly became a hit with locals and visitors alike. Over time, the sandwich evolved to include a variety of toppings and condiments, from melted mozzarella cheese to spicy giardiniera. Today, the Italian beef sandwich is a beloved staple of Chicago’s culinary scene, with countless restaurants and delis throughout the city serving up their own versions of this classic dish.
The Key Ingredients of a Chicago-Style Italian Beef Sandwich
So what makes a true Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich? Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to get started:
The Beef
The beef is the star of the show in an Italian beef sandwich, and it’s essential to choose the right cut. Look for a top round or round tip roast, which is lean and tender but still packed with flavor. You’ll want to slice the beef thinly against the grain, so it’s easy to chew and absorbs all the juices of the broth.
The Broth
The broth is what sets a Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich apart from its imitators. A good broth should be rich and flavorful, with a deep beefy flavor that’s enhanced by aromatics like onions, carrots, and celery. You can make your own broth from scratch, or use a high-quality store-bought variety.
The Cheese
Melted mozzarella cheese is a key component of a Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich. Look for a high-quality mozzarella that’s made from whole milk, and slice it thinly so it melts evenly.
The Giardiniera
Giardiniera is a spicy pickled vegetable mix that’s a staple of Chicago’s Italian-American cuisine. It’s typically made with a combination of hot peppers, onions, carrots, and cauliflower, and is served on top of the sandwich to add a tangy, crunchy texture.
The Bread
The bread is the foundation of a great Italian beef sandwich, and it’s essential to choose a crusty, chewy roll that can hold up to the juices of the broth. Look for a high-quality Italian bread that’s made with a natural starter, and slice it thinly so it’s easy to bite into.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Italian Beef Sandwiches the Chicago Way
Now that we’ve covered the key ingredients, it’s time to start cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Italian beef sandwiches the Chicago way:
Step 1: Roast the Beef
Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Season the beef roast with salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs, and place it in a large Dutch oven or roasting pan. Roast the beef for 2-3 hours, or until it’s tender and falls apart easily.
Step 2: Make the Broth
While the beef is roasting, start making the broth. Chop the onions, carrots, and celery, and sauté them in a large pot until they’re softened. Add in the beef broth, wine, and herbs, and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and let the broth cook for 1-2 hours, or until it’s rich and flavorful.
Step 3: Slice the Beef
Once the beef is roasted, let it cool to room temperature. Slice it thinly against the grain, so it’s easy to chew and absorbs all the juices of the broth.
Step 4: Assemble the Sandwiches
To assemble the sandwiches, slice the Italian bread thinly and place it in the oven to toast. Slice the mozzarella cheese thinly and place it on top of the bread. Add a few slices of the roasted beef, followed by a spoonful of the hot broth. Top with giardiniera and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
While the classic Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich is a hard act to beat, there are plenty of ways to mix things up and make the dish your own. Here are a few tips and variations to try:
Use a Different Cut of Beef
While top round or round tip roast is the classic choice for Italian beef sandwiches, you can also use other cuts like sirloin or ribeye. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly.
Add Some Spice
If you like a little heat in your Italian beef sandwiches, try adding some red pepper flakes or sliced hot peppers to the broth. You can also add some spicy giardiniera on top of the sandwich for an extra kick.
Try a Different Cheese
While mozzarella is the classic choice for Italian beef sandwiches, you can also try using other cheeses like provolone or cheddar. Just be sure to slice the cheese thinly so it melts evenly.
Conclusion
Making Italian beef sandwiches the Chicago way is a labor of love, but the end result is well worth the effort. With its tender, juicy beef, rich and flavorful broth, and tangy giardiniera, this sandwich is a true classic of American cuisine. Whether you’re a native Chicagoan or just visiting the Windy City, be sure to try a true Chicago-style Italian beef sandwich at least once. Your taste buds will thank you.
| Ingredients | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Top round or round tip roast | 3-4 pounds |
| Beef broth | 4 cups |
| Wine | 1 cup |
| Onions | 2 medium |
| Carrots | 2 medium |
| Celery | 2 stalks |
| Giardiniera | 1 cup |
| Mozzarella cheese | 1 cup |
| Italian bread | 4-6 rolls |
By following these steps and using the right ingredients, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious Italian beef sandwiches the Chicago way. Buon appetito!
What is an Italian Beef Sandwich?
An Italian Beef Sandwich is a popular Chicago-style sandwich made with thinly sliced roast beef, typically top round or round tip, that is slow-cooked in a flavorful broth with Italian seasonings. The beef is then piled high on a crusty roll, often served with giardiniera, a spicy pickled vegetable mix, and au jus, the savory broth the beef was cooked in.
The combination of tender beef, crunchy giardiniera, and savory au jus creates a flavor profile that is quintessentially Chicago. Italian Beef Sandwiches are a staple of the city’s culinary scene and can be found on menus throughout the city, from casual eateries to high-end restaurants.
What type of beef is best for Italian Beef Sandwiches?
The best type of beef for Italian Beef Sandwiches is thinly sliced top round or round tip. These cuts are lean and tender, making them ideal for slow-cooking in a flavorful broth. The key is to slice the beef thinly against the grain, which helps to create a tender and easy-to-chew texture.
When selecting beef for Italian Beef Sandwiches, look for cuts that are labeled as “top round” or “round tip.” You can also ask your butcher to slice the beef thinly for you, which will save you time and effort in the kitchen. Avoid using tougher cuts of beef, such as chuck or brisket, as they can be too chewy and overpowering.
What is giardiniera and how is it used in Italian Beef Sandwiches?
Giardiniera is a spicy pickled vegetable mix that is a key component of Italian Beef Sandwiches. It is typically made with a combination of hot peppers, onions, cauliflower, and sometimes carrots, all of which are pickled in a spicy brine. Giardiniera adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavor to the sandwich, as well as a crunchy texture.
To use giardiniera in Italian Beef Sandwiches, simply spoon it onto the sandwich along with the beef and au jus. You can also serve it on the side, allowing each person to add as much or as little as they like. Some people also like to add a sprinkle of giardiniera to the au jus for an extra kick of flavor.
What is au jus and how is it used in Italian Beef Sandwiches?
Au jus is the savory broth that the beef is cooked in, and it is a key component of Italian Beef Sandwiches. The au jus is made by simmering the beef in a flavorful broth with Italian seasonings, which creates a rich and savory liquid. The au jus is then served alongside the sandwich, allowing each person to dip their sandwich in it.
To use au jus in Italian Beef Sandwiches, simply serve it on the side in a small bowl or cup. You can also spoon some of the au jus onto the sandwich along with the beef and giardiniera. Some people like to dip their sandwich in the au jus, while others prefer to spoon it onto the sandwich.
How do I assemble an Italian Beef Sandwich?
Assembling an Italian Beef Sandwich is a straightforward process that requires just a few ingredients. Start by slicing a crusty roll in half and placing it on a flat surface. Next, spoon some of the thinly sliced beef onto the roll, followed by a spoonful of giardiniera. Finally, spoon some of the au jus onto the sandwich, or serve it on the side for dipping.
To finish the sandwich, place the other half of the roll on top of the filling and serve immediately. You can also add some melted mozzarella cheese to the sandwich, which helps to bind the flavors together. Some people also like to add a sprinkle of dried oregano or parsley to the sandwich for extra flavor.
Can I make Italian Beef Sandwiches ahead of time?
While it’s possible to make some components of Italian Beef Sandwiches ahead of time, it’s best to assemble the sandwiches just before serving. The beef can be cooked and sliced ahead of time, as can the giardiniera and au jus. However, the sandwiches should be assembled just before serving to ensure that the bread stays crispy and the flavors stay fresh.
If you need to make the sandwiches ahead of time, consider assembling them without the au jus and giardiniera. These components can be added just before serving, which will help to keep the sandwich fresh and flavorful. You can also keep the sandwiches warm in a low oven (around 200°F) for up to 30 minutes before serving.
What are some variations on the classic Italian Beef Sandwich?
While the classic Italian Beef Sandwich is a timeless favorite, there are many variations that you can try to mix things up. One popular variation is the “hot” Italian Beef Sandwich, which features spicy giardiniera and hot peppers. Another variation is the “cheesy” Italian Beef Sandwich, which features melted mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of parmesan.
You can also try adding other ingredients to the sandwich, such as sautéed onions or bell peppers, to add extra flavor and texture. Some people also like to use different types of bread, such as a crusty sub roll or a hearty sourdough. The key is to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.