There is such a thing as the perfect sandwich. But it's like asking that age-old question: "What is the meaning of life?" The meaning will be completely different to each and every person in the world. Similarly, each person has to find their perfect sandwich that defines them. For this writer, without a doubt, it's the Italian beef sandwich.
That first bite into an Italian beef is like a revelation. It takes your taste buds soaring in every direction as layers of flavor and spice unfold on your tongue. First your teeth sink into the moistened, au jus soaked, fresh Italian bread that delicately holds in the soft, tender roast beef. The perfect beef is slow roasted to a very rare with a hefty layer of peppercorn, that way when it is later dunked into its gravy jacuzzi, it just finishes cooking without getting tough. Finally, you hit the sweet and spicy heat from the must-have authentic giardiniera; a pickled combination of celery, red pepper and carrots; marinated in vinegar, sugar, and seasoning. Finally as you bite into the perfectly concocted combination, you get that warm feeling that coincides with an authentic beef sandwich. Not like that warm and fuzzy feeling when you are snuggled up with your loved one watching a movie. Yet, a literal warm feeling as the au jus drips heartily down your wrist and forearm. But rather than grab a napkin, you find yourself maneuvering into a position to begin licking the juice so as not to waste a single drop (a necessary bit of food porn).
I tried my first Italian beef immediately after my plane landed in Chicago, IL, in late August 2010. The Tampa Bay area is filled with wonderful delicacies from all parts of the world, but in the authentic Chicago fare, they are few and far between. In order to find these places, I find it's always best to ask the locals. In Tampa, I hear the best place for a beef sandwich is Moxie's Cafe in Downtown Tampa, and in Largo, there is a delicious hole-in-the-wall eatery that serves them called the Chicago Grill & Dog House.
But, my personal favorite is to just make one (or four) for yourself at home. See below for my recipes for Italian beef sandwiches and homemade giardinera.
Easy Italian Beef Sandwiches
(Serves 4)
1 1/2 pounds roast beef (Boars Head or gourmet brand of your choice), sliced very thin
4 fresh baked Italian hoagie rolls
1 packet McCormick® au jus gravy mix
3 cups cold water
1 jar hot or sweet giardiniera (you may have to go to an Italian specialty market for this, or make your own! Recipe follows.)
In a small saucepan, stir water gradually into au jus mix with whisk. Stirring frequently, cook on medium-high heat until gravy comes to boil. Turn burner to low and prepare the sandwiches. Slice each hoagie roll lengthwise, but not all the way through. Lay about 5-6 slices (1/4 lb) of beef into each roll (more if you prefer). Then, holding sandwich with tongs, slowly dip into hot gravy for no more than 3 seconds (The bread will be soggy, yummy). Finally, top with 1 tablespoon of giardiniera (more if you prefer) and eat immediately.
Giardiniera
4 stalks celery, chopped
6 pepperonicini, chopped
6 Italian hot red peppers, chopped
2 cups olive oil
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon sugar
At least one day before you are ready to make your sandwich, sterilize a glass jar or tupperware for your giardiniera. Heat olive oil, vinegar, salt & sugar in a small saucepan on low until sugar and salt just dissolve. Pour over veggies and store in the refrigerator.
Photo credit: MoHotta18 via Flickr
