Brooklyn Smokey

Introduction to Brooklyn Smokey

The Brooklyn Smokey is a delightful sandwich that originates from the eclectic food scene of Brooklyn, New York. Known for its robust flavors and comforting essence, this sandwich brings together a medley of perfectly smoked and seasoned ingredients, offering a taste that reflects the culinary diversity of Brooklyn. This recipe pays homage to the vibrant street food culture and the artisanal craft of sandwich making.

The History Behind the Brooklyn Smokey

The Brooklyn Smokey has its roots deeply embedded in the diverse culinary traditions that populate the streets of Brooklyn. Developed in the late 20th century, this sandwich grew in popularity thanks to food carts and local eateries eager to innovate by creating fusion dishes. Combining a variety of culinary influences, the Brooklyn Smokey incorporates classic deli ingredients and modern smoking techniques, resulting in a unique sandwich experience.

The Flavor Profile

The Brooklyn Smokey is characterized by its smoky flavor profile, featuring a harmonious blend of smoked pastrami, rich cheddar cheese, pickled red onions, and a spicy mustard sauce. These ingredients are layered on freshly baked bread to create a satisfying and aromatic bite. The smokiness and the slight tang from the pickles are complemented beautifully by the creamy, melted cheddar, and the zest of mustard.

Ingredients

To make the Brooklyn Smokey, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Pastrami (sliced thinly) - 200 grams
• Cheddar Cheese (shredded) - 100 grams
• Freshly baked sourdough bread - 4 slices
• Pickled red onions - ½ cup
• Spicy mustard - 2 tablespoons
• Butter - 2 tablespoons
• Fresh arugula leaves - 1 cup

Preparation Steps

Let's get started with preparing the Brooklyn Smokey.

1. Begin by gathering all the ingredients. Make sure the pastrami is thinly sliced and the cheddar cheese is shredded – this will help it melt more evenly.

2. Take your sourdough bread and spread butter on one side of each slice. This will ensure a crispy, golden crust when the sandwich is toasted.

3. On the unbuttered side of two slices, spread the spicy mustard evenly. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

4. Layer the pastrami generously on the mustard-covered bread slices. The pastrami should cover the whole slice evenly to ensure balanced meat distribution in every bite.

5. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the pastrami. Make sure the cheese is evenly distributed and covers the meat thoroughly to help bind the sandwich together when it melts.

6. Add a layer of pickled red onions. This will provide a tangy contrast to the rich, smoky flavors of the other ingredients.

7. Top it off with fresh arugula leaves for a peppery finish that adds freshness to the sandwich.

8. Carefully close each sandwich with the remaining slices of bread, butter side out.

Cooking Process

To cook the Brooklyn Smokey to perfection, follow these steps:

1. Preheat a skillet over medium heat. You want the skillet hot enough to toast the bread golden brown but not so hot that it burns before the cheese has melted.

2. Place the sandwiches on the skillet. Allow them to cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes on one side. It's essential to give the ingredients time to meld and the cheese time to melt.

3. After the first side has turned golden and crispy, carefully flip the sandwich using a spatula. Let the other side cook for another 3-4 minutes.

4. To ensure the cheddar cheese has melted thoroughly, you can cover the skillet with a lid for a minute or so. This will trap the heat and help melt the cheese evenly.

5. Once both sides are perfectly toasted and the cheese has melted, remove the sandwiches from the skillet and let them rest for a minute before slicing.

   Set your cooking timer to ensure perfect timing.

Serving and Enjoying the Brooklyn Smokey

To enjoy your Brooklyn Smokey:

1. Slice the sandwiches in half diagonally for a classic presentation.

2. Serve the sandwich alongside crisp pickles or fries to complement its rich flavors.

3. Pairs beautifully with a craft beer or a refreshing iced tea to balance the smokiness and spice of the sandwich.

4. Enjoy the harmony of flavors, from the rich, smoky notes of the pastrami and melted cheese to the zing of the mustard and pickled red onions.