Masala Steak Gatsby Recipe | South African Cape Indian Sandwich

Masala Steak Gatsby Recipe

Gianpiero Rusconi

Prep Time:

20 mins

Cook Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

35 mins

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Cuisine:

South African

Course:

Main Course, Snack

Servings:

4 people

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EQUIPMENT:

• cutting board
• mixing bowl
• pan
• spatula or tongs
• oven (if using ready-made chips)
• serving board or plate

INGREDIENTS:

• 500g beef steak
• 2 tablespoons masala spice
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 Portuguese rolls
• 250g hot chips
• 4 fried eggs
• 100g sliced cheese
• Lettuce, tomato, and onion slices for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. First thing you need to do is to get your steak and place it on your cutting board. Now, cut your steak into thin strips. Make sure to do this carefully as we want the steak to be cooked evenly. Try to make your steak strips as uniform as possible.
2. Now, it's time to marinate your steak. Grab a mixing bowl and put your steak strips into the bowl. Add your masala spice to the bowl, be generous with it as this is what's going to give your steak that distinct flavour. You want to make sure that every piece of steak is covered in the spice. This would also be the time to add a bit of salt and pepper to taste.
3. Once your steak strips are well coated, cover the bowl and let it marinate for about 15 to 30 minutes. You can leave it longer if you wish but do remember that masala is quite potent so you don't want your steak to be overpowering.
4. While waiting for your steak to marinate, you can also prep your other ingredients. Cut your rolls in half and set them aside. You can also start warming up your chips. If you've bought the ready-made kind, you just need to pop them into a hot oven for a couple of minutes.
5. After your steak has marinated, grab a large pan and add a splash of vegetable oil. Heat the pan over medium heat and once it's hot, add your steak. Use your spatula or tongs to move your steak around. You want to make sure each steak strip is cooked to your liking. I always go for a medium to medium-rare steak but cook yours however you prefer.
6. At the same time, fry your eggs. Make sure the yolk is still a bit runny as this will add to the overall flavour of your Gatsby.
7. Once your steak has cooked, start assembling your Gatsby. Lay the bottom half of your roll on your serving board or plate. Add your cooked steak on top of the bread. Layer some slices of cheese on top of the steak. Add hot chips on top of the cheese, making sure to spread them evenly.
8. Next, add your toppings. First is your fried egg. Lay it right on top of the chips. Then layer some lettuce, tomato, and onion slices on top of the egg. Finally, place the top part of the roll on the stack. Press down a little to help everything stick together.
9. Now, all that's left is to cut the sandwich in half and serve! Enjoy your Masala Steak Gatsby - a real South African treat.

Masala Steak Gatsby History

Salutations from the rainbow nation, South Africa! Do we have a culinary tale for you today! Gather around as we share the rich history of the mouth-watering, Masala Steak Gatsby. This enormous, delightful sandwich has its heart in Cape Town, where it started as an inexpensive and satisfying dish for labourers. Legend has it that Rashaad Pandy, a fish and chips shop owner, coined the term Gatsby after watching the movie ‘The Great Gatsby’. He felt it represented how everything is crammed together, just like the characters in the film! Gatsby, pronounced ˈɡætsbi, has no direct translation in English; however, in this context, it’s used to describe a mildly spicy, hearty sandwich packed with various fillings. Over time, the sandwich has adopted an influx of Indian flavours, birthing the Masala Steak Gatsby. ‘Masala’, from Indian origin, means a blend of spices, which agrees perfectly with this steak’s punchy, aromatic flavour.

Tips & Tricks

Ah, we know you’d love to get stuck into making your very own Masala Steak Gatsby, so here are some insider tips. Quality steak is a must! Go for beef sirloin or rump; you want it tender and juicy. When it comes to the ‘masala’ part, play around with spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander and chili, based on your heat tolerance. Trust me, nothing beats homemade! Toast your bread lightly on a grill or oven for some added crunch. And remember, size does matter! A real Gatsby is a feast fit for a king, so don’t skimp on those fillings – the more, the better.

Best Occassions to Serve Masala Steak Gatsby

Show off your South African flavour flair with the Masala Steak Gatsby, perfect for every gathering. It’s famed for being a crowd favourite at football matches and braais (South African for BBQ), serving as a mighty and flavourful communal feast. Having a picnic or potluck? Bring along a Gatsby; its convenience and portability make it an ideal outdoor eating treat. Holidays like Heritage Day also see a spike in Gatsby munching – a beautiful way to celebrate the cultural diversity in our lovely Mzansi.

Recipes & Sides That Go Well With Masala Steak Gatsby

• Crispy chips:A classic sideline accomplice often served within the Gatsby itself for that comforting salty hit.
• Fresh Tomato Salsa:Offers a refreshing contrast to the rich masala steak.
• Slaw:A sweet, tangy slaw can balance out the heat from the spicy steak.
• Grilled Sweetcorn:South Africans love their mielies (corn), pair it grilled with your Gatsby.

Ingredient Alternatives for Masala Steak Gatsby

• Swap beef steak for chicken or paneer if you prefer a lighter protein.
• Instead of the traditional French roll, you could use artisanal bread or flatbreads for a unique twist.
• If you are unable to find specific masala spices, a general curry powder can substitute.
• A vegan mayonnaise can replace the regular mayo for those eating vegan or dairy-free.

Troubleshooting (Common Problems)

• Steak too tough? Make sure you’ve marinated it long enough, preferably overnight.
• If the bread gets soggy, toast it before assembling.
• If the Gatsby is falling apart, layer your ingredients evenly, making sure the ‘wetter’ ingredients are nestled between dryer ones.

Masala Steak Gatsby Alternatives and Similar Recipes

• Chicken Tikka Sandwich:Swap the beef for marinated, grilled chicken.
• Paneer Gatsby:Great for vegetarians, using Indian paneer cheese as the protein.
• Peri-Peri Prawn Gatsby:A fiery seafood twist on the traditional Gatsby.
• Vegan Mushroom and Aubergine Gatsby:Replaces steak with hearty grilled vegetables.