Naples hides one of the most succulent gastronomic treasures in Italy: the cistecca montese. It is a sandwich of crusty bread and elongated shape, stuffed with veal, smoked scamorza cheese and some type of vegetables. We have seen them with broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers and much more, but our favorite version is the one with aubergine.
In it they merge flavors, textures and aromas that not only have the ability to calm the stomach, but also the spirit. It has its own consortium, which ensures the authenticity of this elaboration born in Philadelphia in the 30s, by the hand of two Italian immigrants.
At the beginning of the 1980s, the phenomenon of return emigration took place in the province of Naples. Some returned from the United States with the purpose of popularizing the meat and cheese sandwich in Italy as well. His efforts ended up turning the cistecca montese into the beef sandwich most demanded in the area and that you (probably) want to try immediately.
Peel the garlic cloves and brown them in a pan with hot oil. Peel and dice the eggplant and add it to the pan. We season and sauté until tender. We remove and reserve, discarding the garlic.
We cut the beef fillets in thin strips and sauté them in the same pan, with a little more oil. When they are golden brown, but juicy inside, season and return the aubergine to the pan. We give the whole a rectangular shape and cover with the scamorza slices, which will melt due to the heat.
We cut the bread in half, along. We roast the inside until golden. Cover the base with some lettuce leaves and place the meat, eggplant and scamorza filling on top (better if we use a spatula so that it does not crumble). Sprinkle with the grated provolone and serve immediately.
With what to accompany the cistecca montese or Neapolitan beef sandwich
This succulent Neapolitan beef sandwich or cistecca montese it is perfect to calm your appetite at dinner time, with a cold beer or a glass of wine by your side. Despite being a filling bite, served alone is a good option for lunch.
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