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. But what if you can’t make it to Pittsburgh? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. In this article, we’ll show you how to make Primanti Brothers sandwiches at home, just like the pros.
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, but his business quickly took off, and he was able to open up his own shop. Over the years, Primanti Brothers has become a beloved institution in Pittsburgh, with multiple locations throughout the city.
The Secret to Primanti Brothers’ Success
So, what makes Primanti Brothers sandwiches so special? The answer lies in the combination of high-quality ingredients and a unique cooking method. Here are a few secrets to Primanti Brothers’ success:
- Fresh ingredients: Primanti Brothers uses only the freshest ingredients, from the bread to the meat to the produce.
- Special sauce: Primanti Brothers has a secret sauce that they use on all of their sandwiches. We’ll show you how to make a similar sauce later in this article.
- Coleslaw and fries: Primanti Brothers is famous for piling their sandwiches high with coleslaw and fries. This may seem like an unusual combination, but trust us, it’s a game-changer.
Ingredients Needed
To make a Primanti Brothers sandwich at home, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of your favorite meat (we recommend roast beef or turkey)
- 4 slices of Italian bread
- 1 cup of coleslaw
- 1 cup of French fries
- 1/4 cup of special sauce (see below for recipe)
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lettuce, tomato, and cheese (optional)
Special Sauce Recipe
Primanti Brothers’ special sauce is a key component of their sandwiches. While we can’t reveal the exact recipe, we can give you a similar version that you can try at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh chives
- Salt and pepper to taste
Mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until you get a smooth, creamy sauce. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before using.
Instructions
Now that we have all of our ingredients, let’s start building our Primanti Brothers sandwich. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Cook the Meat
Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Season the meat with salt and pepper, and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Let the meat rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Step 2: Toast the Bread
Butter the slices of Italian bread on the outside, then place them on the grill or grill pan for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they’re lightly toasted.
Step 3: Assemble the Sandwich
Spread a layer of special sauce on the bottom slice of bread, followed by a layer of coleslaw. Add a few slices of meat, then top with a layer of French fries. Place the top slice of bread on the sandwich, 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. Choose the best meat, produce, and bread you can find.
- Don’t be afraid to get creative: While the classic Primanti Brothers sandwich is amazing, don’t be afraid to try new ingredients and combinations. Some ideas include adding cheese, bacon, or grilled vegetables.
- Use the right type of bread: Italian bread is a key component of the Primanti Brothers sandwich. Look for a bread that’s lightly crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.
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, we hope this article has inspired you to try making a Primanti Brothers sandwich at home. So go ahead, give it a try, and taste the magic of Primanti Brothers for yourself.
Primanti Brothers Sandwich Variations
While the classic Primanti Brothers sandwich is amazing, there are many variations you can try to mix things up. Here are a few ideas:
- Roast Beef and Cheddar: Add some shredded cheddar cheese to the roast beef sandwich for an extra burst of flavor.
- Turkey and Avocado: Add some sliced avocado to the turkey sandwich for a creamy, healthy twist.
- Veggie Delight: Swap out the meat for some grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, or red onion.
Primanti Brothers Fun Facts
Here are a few fun facts about Primanti Brothers:
- Primanti Brothers has been featured on food TV shows: Primanti Brothers has been featured on several food TV shows, including “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” and “Man v. Food.”
- Primanti Brothers has a loyal following: Primanti Brothers has a loyal following of fans who swear by their sandwiches. In fact, the shop has been named one of the best sandwich shops in the country by several publications.
- Primanti Brothers is still family-owned: Despite its popularity, Primanti Brothers is still family-owned and operated. The shop is currently run by the third generation of the Primanti family.
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 best for a Primanti Brothers sandwich?
The type of bread used for a Primanti Brothers sandwich is crucial to its overall flavor and texture. A crusty Italian bread is the traditional choice, as it provides a sturdy base for the generous helping of toppings. Look for a bread that is slightly sweet and has a chewy texture.
When selecting a bread, consider a bread that is similar to a sub roll or a hoagie roll. Avoid using a bread that is too soft or too dense, as it may become overwhelmed by the toppings. You can also try using a bread that is specifically labeled as “Italian bread” or “Pittsburgh-style bread” for an authentic flavor.
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 turkey, roast beef, or ham. The coleslaw is typically made with a vinegar-based dressing, which provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the meat and cheese.
In addition to the coleslaw and fries, you can also customize your Primanti Brothers sandwich with a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Swiss, or provolone. Other toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and onion, can also be added to suit your taste preferences.
How do I make the coleslaw for a Primanti Brothers sandwich?
The coleslaw for a Primanti Brothers sandwich is typically made with a vinegar-based dressing, which provides a tangy contrast to the richness of the meat and cheese. To make the coleslaw, start by shredding a head of cabbage and combining it with a mixture of mayonnaise, vinegar, and spices.
The key to making a great coleslaw is to use a high-quality mayonnaise and to not overdress the cabbage. You want the coleslaw to be creamy, but still retain some crunch from the cabbage. You can also customize the coleslaw to suit your taste preferences by adding other ingredients, such as grated carrot or chopped onion.
Can I use frozen fries for a Primanti Brothers sandwich?
While it is possible to use frozen fries for a Primanti Brothers sandwich, it is not recommended. Frozen fries can be convenient, but they often lack the crispy texture and flavor of freshly cooked fries.
For an authentic Primanti Brothers sandwich, it is best to use freshly cooked fries that are crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. You can cook the fries in a deep fryer or in a skillet on the stovetop. If you do choose to use frozen fries, be sure to cook them according to the package instructions and try to crisp them up in the oven or under the broiler.
How do I assemble a Primanti Brothers sandwich?
Assembling a Primanti Brothers sandwich is a bit of an art form. Start by slicing the bread in half and spreading a layer of coleslaw on the bottom half. Next, add a layer of fries on top of the coleslaw, followed by a layer of meat and cheese.
Finally, top the sandwich off with the top half of the bread and serve immediately. Be careful not to overload the sandwich, as the toppings can be quite generous. You want to be able to take a bite of the sandwich without everything falling apart.
Can I customize a Primanti Brothers sandwich to suit my taste preferences?
One of the best things about a Primanti Brothers sandwich is that it can be customized to suit your taste preferences. While the traditional toppings include coleslaw, fries, and a protein of your choice, you can also add other ingredients to suit your taste.
Consider adding other toppings, such as lettuce, tomato, and onion, or using different types of cheese or meat. You can also try using different types of bread or coleslaw to give the sandwich a unique flavor. The key is to experiment and find the combination that works best for you.