The Real Philly Cheesesteak is a beloved sandwich that originated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its history dates back to the 1930s, and it has become an iconic dish synonymous with the city. The sandwich typically consists of thinly sliced beefsteak, melted cheese, and optional toppings, all served on a roll.
Here is the recipe for a classic Philly Cheesesteak, along with its history and preparation steps:
History:
The Philly Cheesesteak’s history is rooted in the city’s Italian immigrant community. Pat Olivieri, a hot dog vendor, is often credited with accidentally creating the sandwich in the 1930s when he decided to cook some beef on his grill and put it in an Italian roll. A cab driver, Pat’s friend, tried it and loved it, leading to the birth of the Philly Cheesesteak.
Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound thinly sliced ribeye steak or top sirloin
- 2 large onions, thinly sliced
- 2-3 bell peppers, thinly sliced (optional)
- 4-6 slices of provolone or American cheese
- 4 soft Italian rolls
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
Instructions:
- Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a bit of olive oil.
- Add the thinly sliced onions and cook until they become translucent and caramelized. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
- If using bell peppers, add them to the skillet and cook until they’re slightly softened. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then add the thinly sliced beef. Cook the beef until it’s no longer pink and has a nice sear. Season with salt and pepper.
- While cooking the beef, split the rolls and place slices of cheese on one side of each roll.
- Once the beef is cooked, divide it into portions on the skillet, roughly the size of the rolls.
- Using a spatula, transfer each portion of beef onto the cheese-covered rolls.
- Top the beef with the caramelized onions and sautรฉed bell peppers, if using.
- Close the sandwiches and press them slightly with the spatula to melt the cheese.
- Remove the sandwiches from the skillet and serve them hot.
Time Needed:
- Preparation: 15 minutes
- Cooking: 20 minutes
- Total: Approximately 35 minutes
Enjoy your homemade Real Philly Cheesesteak! It’s a delicious and flavorful sandwich that pays homage to its rich history in the vibrant city of Philadelphia.
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for a Real Philly Cheesesteak:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving):
- Calories: Around 550-650 kcal
- Protein: About 30-35g
- Carbohydrates: Around 40-45g
- Dietary Fiber: Approximately 2-3g
- Total Fat: About 30-35g
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 12-15g
- Cholesterol: Around 70-80mg
- Sodium: About 800-1000mg
Health Information:
- The Philly Cheesesteak is a delicious and satisfying sandwich, but it tends to be high in calories, saturated fats, and sodium due to the beef, cheese, and bread.
- The beef provides a good amount of protein but can also be relatively high in saturated fat and cholesterol. Opting for leaner cuts of beef or reducing the portion size can help mitigate this.
- Cheese is a significant source of both protein and saturated fat. Choosing lower-fat cheese options or using less cheese can make the sandwich slightly healthier.
- The bread contributes to the carbohydrate content. Choosing whole-grain or whole-wheat rolls can add more fiber to the meal.
- Onions and bell peppers provide some vitamins and antioxidants, but their impact on the overall nutrition is relatively minor due to the small quantity used.
- While this sandwich can be enjoyed occasionally as a treat, it’s important to be mindful of its calorie and fat content. Balancing it with a variety of nutrient-dense foods and practicing portion control is key for a well-rounded diet.
Remember that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. If you’re looking for a healthier option, consider making modifications like using leaner cuts of meat, reducing cheese, and choosing whole-grain bread.
