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www.RecipeFaire.com Presents:
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Copycat Primanti Brothers Sandwich
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by:
Jason Butler
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Anyone who has spent time in Pittsburgh probably has heard of Primanti Bros. The historic sandwich shop has been making its trademark fried-potatoes-and-coleslaw-topped sandwich since 1933.
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INGREDIENTS
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For the slaw:
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1 pound (about half of a medium-size head) green cabbage, shredded or finely chopped (about 6 cups)
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1/2 cup sugar
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1 to 2 teaspoons kosher salt
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1/4 teaspoon celery seed
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1/4 cup vegetable oil
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1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
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Freshly ground black pepper
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For the twice-fried potatoes:
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6 to 8 large (4 to 5 pounds) russet potatoes, washed well
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8 cups vegetable oil, for frying
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Kosher salt
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For the meat and cheese:
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 pounds spicy, thinly sliced capicola ham
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8 thin slices provolone cheese (about 5 ounces)
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For assembly:
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4 vine-ripened tomatoes, cut into 16 thin slices
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16 large slices of soft Italian bread (18 ounces total)
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DIRECTIONS
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1:
For the slaw: Combine the cabbage, sugar, salt and celery seed in a colander set over a medium bowl. Let stand at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours; the cabbage will be wilted (about 4 cups total). Discard the draining liquid in the bowl; rinse and dry the bowl, then transfer the wilted cabbage to the bowl.
Add the oil and vinegar; toss to coat. Season with pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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2:
Oven to 200°F. Line baking sheets with paper towels. Cut unpeeled potatoes lengthwise into 1/4 inch sticks. In batches, in colander rinse potatoes in cold water to remove starch; spread potatoes on the paper towels; pat dry. Heat oil in large heavy pot over medium-high heat to 320°F. Fry the potatoes
in 4 batches; 2 to 4 minutes each. Stir often, until soft and cooked through but still pale. Return oil to 320°F between batches; use a thermometer.
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3:
Transfer potatoes to the lined baking sheets. Increase oil to 375°F. Cook the fries a second time, in 4 batches, 2 to 3 minutes each, until fries are crisp and golden brown. Transfer to the lined baking sheets. Salt lightly; keep warm in oven.
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4:
For the meat and cheese: Melt the butter in a heavy skillet over medium heat. Have ready a large baking sheet. Separate the ham slices and add to the skillet, turning them as needed until the slices are warmed through. Transfer the slices to the baking sheet,
creating 8 equal portions. Top each with a slice of provolone cheese. Place in the oven (along with the fries) just until the cheese has melted.
For assembly: Place the portions of cheese-topped ham on 8 bread slices. Top with a large handful of the warm fries, then pile about 1/2 cup of the slaw on each portion. Garnish with 2 tomato slices for each portion; use the remaining 8 pieces of bread to finish each sandwich. Serve warm.
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