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1946-1969 - Italian-American delis and eateries of Chicago.
A staple of Chicago cuisine, this Italian beef sandwich features thinly sliced seasoned roast beef dipped in its own jus, served on a roll with optional giardiniera or sweet peppers.
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Difficulty
Medium
Prep time
20 minutes
Cook time
3 hours
Total time
3 hours 30 minutes
Servings
6
Region
Illinois, Iowa, and the Upper Midwest
Era introduced
1946-1969
Introduced by
Italian-American delis and eateries of Chicago.
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The Italian beef sandwich originated in Chicago in the mid-20th century as a working-class favorite, featuring seasoned, slow-cooked roast beef served on an Italian roll soaked in flavorful jus. Popularized in Italian-American neighborhoods by postwar food establishments, the sandwich embodies immigrant ingenuity and the adaptability of Italian culinary traditions to American ingredients and preferences.
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