Philadelphia-Style Roast Pork Sandwiches

Name: Philadelphia-Style Roast Pork Sandwiches
Prep time: 35 min
Total time: 135 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 (3 pound) pork shoulder roast; 3 tablespoons freshly chopped rosemary; 3 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley; 3 cloves of garlic (finely chopped); 4 teaspoons olive oil (divided); 1 tablespoon kosher salt (plus more to taste); 1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper (plus more to taste); 1 cup water (or more if needed); 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 cloves of garlic (finely chopped); ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes; ½ cup chicken stock; 12 ounces fresh spinach; Juice of 1 medium lemon; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 cup shredded Manchego cheese; 4 crusty rolls (no specific type mentioned)

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Philadelphia-Style Roast Pork Sandwiches

There’s something magical about sinking your teeth into a delicious, juicy roast pork sandwich. The succulent meat, the tangy flavors, and the soft bread all come together to create a culinary masterpiece. And when it comes to roast pork sandwiches, there’s no place quite like Philadelphia. The City of Brotherly Love has perfected this iconic dish, and today, we’re going to uncover the secrets behind the famous Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich.

The Roast Pork

The key to a great Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich lies in the quality of the meat. Tender, succulent, and full of flavor, the roast pork is the star of the show. Picture this: a slow-roasted pork shoulder, seasoned with a blend of herbs and spices, cooked to perfection until it falls apart with a gentle touch. The result? A melt-in-your-mouth experience that will leave you craving for more.

The Bread

Now, let’s talk about the bread. A Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich is traditionally served on a long Italian roll, known as a hoagie roll. It’s soft, yet sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings. The bread is then brushed with garlic butter and toasted, adding an extra layer of flavor and texture to the sandwich. It’s the perfect vessel for the juicy roast pork and all the other toppings that are about to come.

The Toppings

No roast pork sandwich is complete without the perfect toppings. In Philadelphia, it’s all about the broccoli rabe and sharp provolone cheese. The bitter, slightly spicy flavor of the sautéed broccoli rabe pairs perfectly with the rich, savory pork. And the sharp provolone adds a tangy, creamy element that brings everything together. It’s a flavor combination that’s hard to beat.

Making Your Own Philadelphia-Style Roast Pork Sandwich

Now that you know the key components of a Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich, it’s time to try your hand at making one at home. Start by slow-roasting a pork shoulder with a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. Let it cook low and slow until it’s tender and juicy. Meanwhile, prepare the hoagie rolls by brushing them with garlic butter and toasting them until golden brown.

Once the pork is ready, thinly slice it and pile it high on the toasted hoagie rolls. Top it off with sautéed broccoli rabe and a generous amount of sharp provolone cheese. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also add some hot cherry peppers for an extra kick. And there you have it – your very own homemade Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich.

FAQs

1. What is a Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich?

A Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich is a delicious sandwich made with slow-roasted pork, sautéed broccoli rabe, sharp provolone cheese, and sometimes hot cherry peppers. It’s traditionally served on a toasted hoagie roll.

2. Where can I find the best Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich in Philadelphia?

Philadelphia is known for its amazing roast pork sandwiches. Some popular places to try include John’s Roast Pork, DiNic’s, and Tony Luke’s.

3. Can I use a different type of bread for my roast pork sandwich?

While a hoagie roll is traditional, you can certainly use a different type of bread if you prefer. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough to hold all the delicious fillings.

4. Can I make the roast pork ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the roast pork ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to assemble the sandwiches, simply reheat the pork and proceed with the rest of the steps.

5. What other toppings can I add to my roast pork sandwich?

While broccoli rabe and sharp provolone are traditional toppings, you can get creative and add other ingredients as well. Some popular options include roasted red peppers, sautéed onions, or even a drizzle of spicy mayo.

6. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Sharp provolone is the traditional cheese for a Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich, but you can certainly experiment with other types of cheese if you prefer. A creamy, tangy cheese like fontina or cheddar would work well.

7. Can I substitute the pork with another type of meat?

While the roast pork is the star of the show in a Philadelphia-style sandwich, you can certainly substitute it with another type of meat if you prefer. Slow-roasted beef or even chicken would be delicious alternatives.

8. Are there any vegetarian options for a roast pork sandwich?

If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you can still enjoy a delicious sandwich inspired by the flavors of a Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich. Substitute the pork with roasted mushrooms or seitan, and use vegan cheese or a flavorful spread to add richness to the sandwich.

In conclusion, a Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich is a culinary delight that combines tender, juicy pork with tangy flavors and soft bread. Whether you’re indulging in one at a local eatery in Philadelphia or making your own at home, it’s a sandwich that never fails to satisfy. So why not give it a try and experience the magic of a Philadelphia-style roast pork sandwich for yourself?

Philadelphia-Style Roast Pork Sandwiches

Prep35 min

Total2 hr 15 min

Servings4

1 (3 pound) pork shoulder roast
3 tablespoons freshly chopped rosemary
3 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
3 cloves of garlic (, finely chopped)
4 teaspoons olive oil (divided)
1 tablespoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
1 tablespoon freshly ground pepper (plus more to taste)
1 cup water (or more if needed)
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves of garlic (, finely chopped)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
½ cup chicken stock
12 ounces fresh spinach
Juice of 1 medium lemon
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup shredded Manchego cheese
4 crusty rolls (no specific type mentioned)

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).
Prepare the pork: Remove the netting or strings from the pork roast, keeping them intact for later use.
In a bowl, combine rosemary, parsley, garlic, 3 teaspoons of oil, 1 tablespoon of kosher salt, and 1 tablespoon of pepper.
Slice open the pork roast and spread the herb mixture onto it.
Roll up the pork and secure it with the netting or string. Rub the remaining 1 teaspoon of oil all over the pork and season with more salt and pepper.
Place the pork, fat-side up, in a roasting pan and pour in water.
Bake in the preheated oven, basting occasionally and adding more water if needed, until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the meat reads at least 145 degrees F (63 degrees C), for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours.
Remove the pork from the oven and let it rest for 10 to 15 minutes. Keep the pan juices in the roasting pan.
While the pork is resting, prepare the fixings: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes; cook and stir until garlic is fragrant but not brown, for about 3 minutes.
Pour in chicken stock and bring it to a boil. Add spinach, lemon juice, salt, and