Real Chicago-Style Italian Beef I

1. 1

   Make a spice rub by combining 1 teaspoon each of dried basil,dried oregano,garlic powder,ground pepper,salt,red pepper flakes.

2. 2

   Rub HALF of the spice rub over and around the roast, Press the mixture into the meat as much as possible. Place the meat in a roasting pan. Add about 1 cup water to the pan.

3. 3

   Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.

4. 4

   Roast the beef for 35 minutes, Now reduce the temperature to 400 degrees F., and roast for 40 minutes.

5. 5

   DO NOT TURN OFF THE OVEN, Remove the pan from the oven and pour 1 1/2 cups cold water into the pan, Let Stand for 15-20 minutes.

6. 6

   Add remaining seasoning mixture to the pan juices and water. Return meat to the oven and roast until meat thermometer reaches (160 degrees very important to reach this temp) about 50 minutes but use the thermometer to make sure.

7. 7

   When temp is reached remove pan and allow the roast to cool slightly befroe slicing. Slice almost paper thin (the right thiness is critical to ensure a good chew, But without being tough).

8. 8

   Transfer the juices to a sauce pan and keep it warm over low heat.

9. 9

   Immerse the sliced beef into the warm gravy.

10. 10

    To serve, scoop some of the beef out of the gravy using a fork, Load it onto a Gonnella french bread roll. Garnish with hot or sweet peppers and serve.

11. 11

    TIP: One of the secrets of Chicago Italian Beef restaurants is that they add garlic juice to the pan juices during the final roasting.

12. 12

    TIP 2: The beef served at these restaurants are not undercooked, infact most roast the beef until it is medium well which shows very little redness.

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.