Authentic Philly Cheesesteak

What food is Philadelphia known for? It’s the Philly Cheesesteak! So in recognition and my deepest appreciation that the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl 

It’s my inner cheerleader sometimes she’s so happy she just has to express herself 

I’m going to make this authentic Philly cheesesteak. What makes it authentic? Here’s a little history....

History of Philadelphia Cheese Steak Sandwich:

1930s – During the 1930s in the Italian immigrant section of South Philadelphia, brothers Harry Olivieri (1916-2006) and Pat Olivieri sold hot dogs and sandwiches.  Tired of hot dogs, Pat suggested that Harry go to a store and buy some beef.  Harry brought it back, sliced it up and grilled the beef with some onions.  The brothers piled the meat on rolls and were about to dig in when a cab driver arrived for lunch, smelled the meat and onions and demanded one of the sandwiches.  Pat never got a bite because a cab driver drove by, smelled the sandwich, and asked how much?  He didnt know what to charge, so he charged a nickel.  The cab driver supposedly said,  Hey . . . forget about those hot dogs, you should sell these.  It was not until 20 years later that cheese was added to the sandwich by a longtime employee, Joe Lorenzo, who was tired of the usual sandwich and added some cheese.

1940s – In 1940, the brothers opened Pat’s King of Steaks at 1237 East Passyunk Avenue.  The business has been there ever since, open 24 hours a day.  Cheez Whiz was added to the steak and onions starting in the 1960s, and provolone, American cheese, and pizza sauce later became options in the concoction along with various condiments, and side dishes.

Pat’s King of Steaks Philly Cheese Steak Recipe 

Ingredients

6 tablespoons Soya bean oil

1 large onion, sliced

24 ounces sliced rib eye or eye roll steak

Cheese (store processed recommended); American or Provolone

4 crusty Italian Rolls

Sweet green and red peppers, sauteed in oil (optional)

Mushrooms sauteed in oil (optional)

Ketchup

Directions:

Heat a skillet over medium/high heat add 3 tablespoons of oil. When the oil is hot add in the onions and cook the onions until they are tender and translucent.  Remove the onions, set aside. Add the remaining oil to skillet and sauté the meat on both sides just to warm. Microwave cheese to melt or I would put the cheese on the sandwich and broil until cheese has melted. Put meat in roll, then onion and cheese. Add sautéed peppers (I would) and/or mushrooms and ketchup. Yum Yum!