French Dip

Name: French Dip
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 3 boneless ribeye steaks (approximately 3 pounds); 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil; 1 tablespoon of kosher salt; 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper; 2 teaspoons of dried oregano; 1 teaspoon of dried ground sage; 1/4 yellow onion (thinly sliced); 2 cloves of garlic (minced); 2 teaspoons of minced fresh thyme; 1 1/2 cups of low-sodium beef broth; 2 teaspoons of Worcestershire sauce; 6 hoagie rolls; 12 slices of provolone cheese

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French Dip: A Savory Delight That Will Make You Say “Oui!”

Are you a fan of sandwiches? Do you crave a meal that is both comforting and bursting with flavor? Look no further than the French Dip, a classic sandwich that will leave you wanting more. In this article, we will explore the origins of the French Dip, the key ingredients that make it so delicious, and how you can enjoy this mouthwatering creation for yourself. So, grab a napkin and get ready to embark on a savory journey!

The Birth of a Legend

Legend has it that the French Dip was born in Los Angeles in the early 20th century. The story goes that a local restaurant owner accidentally dropped a sandwich roll into a pan of hot beef drippings. Instead of discarding the soggy bread, he served it to a customer who was in a hurry. To his surprise, the customer loved the sandwich, and the French Dip was born.

Since then, the French Dip has become a staple in many American delis and restaurants. Its popularity lies in its simplicity and the incredible flavor combination it offers. But what exactly makes a French Dip so delicious?

The Perfect Ingredients

At the heart of a French Dip is the meat. Traditionally, thinly sliced roast beef is used, but variations with turkey, ham, or even vegetarian options have become popular. The meat is then piled high on a soft roll, often a baguette, and topped with cheese. The sandwich is then served with a side of au jus, a flavorful broth made from the drippings of the meat.

But what sets the French Dip apart from other sandwiches is the dipping experience. The roll is purposely dipped into the au jus, allowing the bread to soak up the rich flavors of the broth. The result is a sandwich that is both tender and juicy, with a burst of savory goodness in every bite.

Au Jus: The Secret Sauce

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show – the au jus. This flavorful broth is what elevates the French Dip to new heights. Made from simmering beef drippings with herbs and spices, the au jus adds depth and richness to the sandwich.

Imagine taking a bite of the tender roast beef, perfectly seasoned, and then dipping it into the au jus. The combination of flavors is pure magic. The bread soaks up the savory broth, enhancing the taste of the meat and creating a symphony of flavors in your mouth.

The French Dip Experience

Enjoying a French Dip is not just about the taste; it’s about the experience. As you take that first bite, you’ll be greeted with a burst of flavors that dance on your palate. The tender meat, the melted cheese, and the savory au jus all come together to create a symphony of taste.

But it’s not just the flavors that make the French Dip special; it’s the act of dipping the sandwich. It’s the anticipation as you watch the bread soak up the au jus, knowing that each bite will be moist and flavorful. It’s the satisfaction of indulging in a truly comforting meal that warms your soul.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make a French Dip with chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can absolutely make a French Dip with chicken! Simply substitute thinly sliced roast chicken for the beef, and you’ll have a delicious alternative that is just as flavorful.

2. What kind of cheese is best for a French Dip?

The most common cheese used in a French Dip is Swiss cheese, but you can experiment with other types such as provolone or cheddar. Choose a cheese that melts well and complements the flavors of the meat and au jus.

3. Can I make a vegetarian version of the French Dip?

Absolutely! There are many delicious vegetarian options for a French Dip. You can use roasted vegetables, such as portobello mushrooms or eggplant, as a substitute for the meat. The au jus can be made using vegetable broth for a savory vegetarian experience.

4. Can I make the au jus without meat drippings?

Yes, you can make a tasty au jus without meat drippings. Simply use vegetable broth or a combination of beef broth and soy sauce to create a flavorful broth that mimics the richness of the traditional au jus.

5. Is a French Dip a healthy sandwich option?

While a French Dip may not be the healthiest option due to its richness and use of bread, you can make healthier choices by opting for leaner cuts of meat and using whole wheat rolls. Additionally, you can control the amount of cheese and au jus you use to manage the calorie content.

6. Can I make a French Dip ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the components of a French Dip ahead of time and assemble the sandwich when you’re ready to enjoy it. The meat can be cooked and sliced in advance, and the au jus can be made and stored for later use. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

7. Are there any variations of the French Dip?

Absolutely! The French Dip is versatile and can be customized to suit your taste. You can add caramelized onions, sautéed mushrooms, or even horseradish sauce for an extra kick. Get creative and make it your own!

8. Can I freeze leftover French Dip?

While it’s best to enjoy a French Dip fresh, you can freeze any leftover meat and au jus separately. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw and reheat the components, and assemble your sandwich for a quick and delicious meal.

In Conclusion

The French Dip is a sandwich that combines simplicity with incredible flavor. From its accidental creation to becoming a beloved classic, this savory delight is a must-try for sandwich enthusiasts. Whether you prefer traditional roast beef or a vegetarian twist, the French Dip offers a culinary experience like no other. So, next time you’re craving a comforting and delicious meal, remember to say “oui” to the French Dip!

French Dip

Prep10 min

Total1 hr

Servings4

8- pound boneless rib eye roast
1 cup Worcestershire sauce
4 ounces Montreal steak seasoning
3/4 cup red wine
3 tablespoons beef base
1 cup large-diced onion
6 cloves garlic
6 sprigs fresh thyme
6 to 8 hoagie rolls (good quality)
12 ounces horseradish
12 ounces sour cream
12 to 14 slices Swiss cheese
1 1/2 to 2 cups caramelized onions
Serving suggestion: hand-cut fries

To prepare the prime rib:
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Place the rib eye in a roasting pan with the fat-side down.
Pour half of the Worcestershire sauce over the top and sprinkle half of the steak seasoning.
Flip the rib eye and cover with the remaining Worcestershire sauce and seasoning.
Roast in the oven for 2 hours.
Allow the rib eye to cool completely, then thinly slice it using a meat slicer.
For the au jus:
In a saucepan over medium-high heat, place the red wine and let it reduce by half.
Add the beef base and dissolve it thoroughly.
Add the onion, garlic, thyme, and 6 cups of water to the saucepan and simmer until the vegetables are soft.
Strain the mixture to remove any solids.
For the French dip:
Split the hoagie rolls and toast them.
Heat the au jus until hot and then add the sliced prime rib to heat it thoroughly.
In a bowl, whisk together the horseradish and sour cream.
Spread the horseradish and sour cream mixture on the hoagie rolls.
Layer Swiss cheese on the hoagies, followed by caramelized onions, and top with the hot prime rib.
To serve:
Plate the sandwiches with fries.
Serve cups of warm