Ep 1. Italian Beef and Focaccianini

The first episode of Sandwich King, a cooking show featuring Jeff Mauro, begins with a focus on Italian Beef and Focaccianinis. Jeff, a Chicago native, starts by sharing his love for Chicago-style Italian beef sandwiches and how they hold a special place in his heart.

He begins by showcasing his recipe for Italian beef, which includes cooking chuck roast in a slow cooker with Italian seasonings, beef broth, and peppers for several hours until it is fork-tender. Once the beef is cooked, Jeff slices it thin and discusses the importance of choosing the right bread for the sandwich. He opts for crusty Italian rolls and toasts the insides to give it a bit of crunch. Jeff piles the beef on top of the toasted rolls and tops it off with giardiniera, a pickled vegetable relish that adds a bit of acidity and spice to the sandwich.

Next, Jeff focuses on his Focaccianini sandwich, which is a hybrid between a classic focaccia bread and a panini. He starts by making a quick herb oil with rosemary, thyme, and garlic that will be used to flavor the bread. Once the bread is brushed with the herb oil, Jeff layers pepperoni, prosciutto, and mozzarella cheese onto the bread and presses it in a panini press until the cheese is melted and the bread is crispy. He cuts the sandwich into bite-sized pieces and serves it up with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

Throughout the episode, Jeff shares tips and tricks for making the perfect sandwich, such as how to properly layer ingredients and what condiments to use to add the perfect flavor. He also emphasizes the importance of using high-quality ingredients to elevate the sandwich from good to great.

Overall, this episode of Sandwich King is a great introduction to the series and showcases Jeff's love for creating delicious, homemade sandwiches. Whether you're a fan of classic Italian beef sandwiches or looking for a new twist on a classic sandwich, this episode has something for everyone.