Cistecca Montese: A Flavorful Italian Sandwich
Cistecca Montese is a delectable Italian sandwich packed with a perfect blend of tender beef, smoky scamorza cheese, sautéed eggplant, and fresh lettuce—all nestled between crispy, warm bread. This mouthwatering dish is ideal for a hearty lunch or dinner and will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Italy. The recipe combines simple ingredients with incredible flavors, making it an irresistible treat for anyone who loves bold, savory dishes.
Ingredients (Serves 2)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Bread (sfilatini) | 2 pieces |
| Smoked Scamorza Cheese | 10 slices |
| Beef (preferably tender cuts) | 250 grams |
| Lettuce (preferably fresh) | 4 leaves |
| Eggplant | 200 grams |
| Garlic | 1 clove |
| Caciocavallo Cheese | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | As needed |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Instructions
-
Prepare the Eggplant:
Start by cleaning and trimming the eggplant. Cut it into small cubes. Set aside. -
-
Prepare the Beef:
Next, take the beef and cut it into tiny cubes. This step will help the meat cook quickly and evenly, absorbing all the flavors as it cooks. -
Slice the Smoked Scamorza:
Thinly slice the smoked scamorza cheese. Its rich flavor will melt beautifully over the hot ingredients later on. -
Sauté the Eggplant:
In a frying pan, heat a splash of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic clove, sliced in half, and sauté it for a minute or two to release its fragrance. Add the cubed eggplant to the pan and cook until soft and golden, stirring occasionally. -
Cook the Beef:
In a separate pan, add a bit more olive oil and heat it over high flame. Add the diced beef and sauté for a few minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the beef is browned on the outside but still juicy and tender on the inside. Season the beef with salt and black pepper to taste. -
Prepare the Bread:
While the eggplant and beef are cooking, slice the sfilatini (Italian sandwich rolls) in half lengthwise. Toast the insides slightly to achieve a crispy, golden texture. -
Assemble the Sandwiches:
Once the eggplant is cooked and the beef is perfectly browned, it’s time to assemble your Cistecca Montese. Place a few leaves of fresh lettuce on the bottom half of each toasted bread roll. Divide the sautéed beef into two portions and place one on each sandwich. Add the cooked eggplant on top of the beef. -
Melt the Cheese:
Lower the heat on the pan with the beef and eggplant mixture, and place the thin slices of scamorza cheese on top of the meat and vegetables. Allow the cheese to melt over the warm ingredients for a few moments, creating a creamy, flavorful layer. -
Finish with Caciocavallo:
Remove the pan from the heat, and with a spatula, carefully transfer the beef and eggplant mixture onto the bread rolls. Sprinkle some grated caciocavallo cheese over the top to add extra flavor. -
Serve:
Close the sandwiches with the top half of the bread and press them gently to secure the filling. Your Cistecca Montese is now ready to serve! Enjoy with a side of fresh salad or crispy fries for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Value |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~550 kcal |
| Protein | ~40 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~35 g |
| Fat | ~25 g |
| Fiber | ~5 g |
| Sodium | ~800 mg |
Tips for the Perfect Cistecca Montese:
- Meat Choice: For an even more tender sandwich, opt for cuts like sirloin or rib-eye. These provide the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
- Cheese Variations: If you can’t find scamorza, try using another smoked cheese like provolone for a similar smoky taste. Caciocavallo adds a nice sharp finish, but you could also experiment with a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan.
- Veggie Twist: Feel free to add other veggies like roasted peppers or sautéed onions for an extra burst of flavor and color.
- Grill It: For an even more indulgent experience, you can grill the entire sandwich to make the cheese extra gooey and the bread extra crispy.
Cistecca Montese is a true celebration of Italian flavors, combining earthy vegetables, tender beef, and rich cheeses all in one perfect sandwich. It’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s sure to impress anyone who tries it.
