If you’re a Pittsburgher, you know the Primanti Brothers sandwich. It’s a beloved classic in the city, and it has a unique and interesting history.
The Primanti Brothers sandwich originated in the early 1930s in the Strip District of Pittsburgh. Joe Primanti, the founder of the sandwich shop, opened the restaurant to sell food to the truck drivers and delivery workers who worked in the area. He wanted to make a sandwich that was simple and could be eaten quickly, since truckers and delivery workers were always on the go. The sandwich he created featured Italian meats, coleslaw, tomatoes, and French fries, all layered between two slices of Italian bread.
The original Primanti Brothers sandwich was a hit, and the restaurant expanded to multiple locations in the city. Today, it’s a beloved classic in Pittsburgh and the sandwich can be found all over the city.
If you’d like to make a classic Primanti Brothers sandwich at home, here’s what you’ll need:
Sandwich Ingredients:
- 2 slices Italian bread
- 2 slices Italian meats (salami, capicola, and/or pepperoni)
- 2 slices Provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup prepared coleslaw
- 2 slices tomato
- 1/2 cup prepared French fries
Kitchen Equipment:
- Pan
- Tongs
- Spatula
Cook Time:
- 15 minutes
Cooking Instructions:
- Heat a pan over medium heat.
- Place the Italian meats in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the meats are lightly browned.
- Place the slices of Provolone cheese on top of the meats and cook for 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted.
- Place the slices of Italian bread on the pan and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until the bread is lightly browned.
- Flip the slices of bread over and place the cooked meats and cheese on one slice of the bread.
- Place the coleslaw and tomato slices on top of the meats and cheese.
- Place the French fries on top of the tomato slices and top with the other slice of bread.
- Flip the sandwich over and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sandwich is lightly browned and the French fries are crispy.
- Serve the sandwich warm.
Garnishes:
- Sliced pickles
- Hot sauce
- Mustard
Optional Heat:
To add some heat to your Primanti Brothers sandwich, you can try adding a few slices of jalapenos or topping it with some spicy mustard.
There you have it. Give one of these tasty sandwiches a try this week.
Need something to wash it down? Find a great cocktail recipe to go with it.