The French dip sandwich is very tasty and you must know all about this dish in detail. This is because the French dip sandwich in all forms is very tasty. What is special about the French dip sandwich is the dip that is so finger-licking tasty. Therefore, get to know all that is connected to the French dip sandwich.
This will help you know all about the French dip sandwich. Plus, you will also get to know the traditional French dip sandwich. This will be best as you will be able to dive into the traditional recipe of the French dip sandwich and, also bring in your own fusions. Therefore, get started with knowing all about the French dip sandwich.
About The French Dip Sandwich
A French dip sandwich is also known as a hot sandwich. It wholly consists of thinly sliced roast beef (or, sometimes, other meats) on a “French roll” or baguette. This dish is usually served plain. However, a popular variation of the French dip recipe is topped with provolone cheese, onions, and a dipping container of beef broth produced from the cooking process. Plus, the beef stock in this sandwich recipe, which is a light beef gravy, or beef consommé, is sometimes substituted.
These are most commonly served with a cup on the side of the plate, into which the sandwich is dipped as it is eaten. It is known that this dish is not how the sandwich was served when it was initially developed. However, the French dip recipe sandwich is defined to be an American invention. This is because the name seems to refer to the style of bread rather than any French origin.
French Dip Sandwich: History Of the French Dips
Two Los Angeles restaurants have claimed to be the birthplace of the French dip sandwich. This was the Cole’s Pacific Electric Buffet and Philippe the Original respectively. However, the Philippe’s website describes the dish as a “specialty of the house”, and the words “Home of the Original French Dip Sandwich” are present in the restaurant’s logo.
At Phillippe’s, the roll is dipped in the hot beef juices. This is done before the sandwich is assembled, and it is served “wet”. On the other hand, at Cole’s it is served with a side of beef juices. The sandwich can also be requested to be “double dipped”. This is where both halves of the sandwich are dipped before serving. This is done at either establishment. However, both restaurants feature their own brand of spicy mustard.
Is The Controversy Resolved?
The controversy over who originated the sandwich remains unresolved. Both restaurants were established in 1908. However, Cole claims to have originated the sandwich shortly after the restaurant opened in 1908, while Philippe claims that owner Philippe Mathieu invented it in 1918.
What Are The Variants?
The story of the sandwich’s invention by Philippe’s has several variants. In this, some sources say that it was first created by a cook or a server who, while preparing a sandwich for a police officer or fireman, accidentally dropped it into a pan of meat drippings.
However, the patron liked it, and the dish surged in popularity shortly after its invention. Other accounts say that a customer who did not want some meat drippings to go to waste requested his sandwich be dipped in them. Still, others say that a chef dipped a sandwich into a pan of meat drippings after a customer complained that the bread was stale.
What Does Cole Say?
Cole’s account states that the sandwich was invented by a sympathetic chef, named Jack Garlinghouse. It was done for a customer who was complaining of sore gums. Some accounts tell Philippe’s version of events, but assigns it to the location to Cole’s. The mystery of the sandwich’s invention might not be solved due to a lack of information and observable evidence.
About The Recipe of French Dip Sandwich
Below is the recipe for the sandwich. Therefore, check it out and try making it.
Ingredients
- 1 lb thinly sliced roast beef (or deli-style roast beef)
- 4 French rolls or baguette-style rolls
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (optional for buttering rolls)
- Sliced Swiss or provolone cheese (optional)
Making of The Recipe
- Combine beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper in a small saucepan.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it cook for 5-10 minutes.
- If desired, lightly butter the rolls and toast them in the oven or griddle until golden brown.
- Place a generous portion of roast beef onto the bottom half of each roll.
- If using cheese, place a slice of Swiss or provolone on top of the roast beef and melt it under a broiler or microwave.
- Ladle the hot au jus into small bowls for dipping.
- Serve the sandwiches with the au jus on the side.
Conclusion
Thus, this is all that you should know about the French dip sandwich. Therefore, know all about the sandwich and make it today at home. The French dip sandwich is very tasty. Therefore, make the French dip sandwich and serve it to people and yourself today.
FAQs
What kind of bread is best for a French dip sandwich?
Ans: The best bread for a French dip sandwich is a French roll or a baguette-style roll. These types of bread are sturdy enough to hold the meat and au jus without falling apart but still soft enough to provide a sound bite. Other options include hoagie rolls or ciabatta, but the French roll is the traditional choice.
Do I have to use cheese?
Ans: Cheese is optional. This is because a classic French dip sandwich often do not come with cheese, but adding a slice of Swiss, provolone, or cheddar can elevate the sandwich if you prefer a cheesier version. If you do add cheese, melt it under the broiler or in the microwave to make the sandwich extra creamy.
Can I make the au jus ahead of time?
Ans: Yes, you can make the au jus in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. This can save time when preparing the meal.
How do I store leftovers?
Ans: If you have any leftover French dip sandwich, store the roast beef and au jus separately. Keep the beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, and the au jus can also be stored in a separate container for up to 3 days. Reheat both before serving, and if you prefer, lightly toast the rolls to freshen them.
Can I make the French dip sandwich without au jus?
Ans: The au jus makes the French Dip unique, so it’s best to serve it with the dipping sauce. However, if you prefer not to use au jus, you could try serving the sandwich with a side of gravy or a beef broth-based sauce, though it won’t have the same depth of flavor as the traditional au jus.
Can I make vegetarian French dip sandwiches?
Ans: Yes! For a vegetarian or plant-based version of a French Dip sandwich, you can substitute the roast beef with sliced mushrooms (such as portobello), tempeh, or a vegetarian meat substitute. For the au jus, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth and add some soy sauce and seasonings to give it a savory, umami flavor.
How can I make the au jus more flavorful?
Ans: To enhance the flavor of the au jus, you can add a few extra ingredients, like:
- Herbs: To make the au jus more aromatic, add a bay leaf, thyme, or rosemary while simmering.
- Red wine: A splash of red wine can deepen the richness of the broth.
- Onions or shallots: Sautéing finely chopped onions or shallots before adding the broth can add extra depth of flavor.
Can I use store-bought au jus?
Ans: You can use store-bought au jus or beef broth for a quicker version. Many grocery stores carry pre-made au jus mix or ready-to-serve beef broth that works well as a base. Just make sure to season it with some soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce to bring out the full flavor.
What side dishes go well with French dip sandwiches?
Ans: French dip sandwiches pair well with a variety of sides, such as:
- Fries (regular or sweet potato)
- Coleslaw
- Potato chips
- Pickles
- Roasted vegetables or a simple green salad
- Onion rings
How do I reheat French dip sandwiches?
Ans: To reheat the sandwich, separate the meat from the roll. Heat the roast beef in a pan or microwave, and warm the roll in the oven or toaster. If you have au jus, you can gently reheat it on the stove. Once everything is warm, assemble your sandwich and enjoy!
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