Sam Icklan, Project Bread
This recipe is an adaptation of a legendary New York bodega sandwich. The chopped cheese is said to have been created at Harlem’s Blue Sky Deli (locally known as Hajii’s). One theory of its origin says that it’s based off of an Arabic sandwich, “dagha yamneeya,” essentially cooked chopped meat and vegetables served with Yemeni bread. You can change up the toppings by adding bell peppers, pepperoncini, or other veggies, or even change the meat to ground turkey or ground chicken.
The trick is to chop up the meat and let the cheese melt a little bit before serving – remember, it’s not a burger, and it’s not a cheesesteak, it’s a chopped cheese!
¼ cup vegetable oil
6 yellow onions, finely diced
10 ¼ lbs lean ground beef
¼ cup chicken bouillon seasoning
6 ¼ lbs sliced reduced-fat American cheese
4 ½ lbs medium tomatoes, sliced
7 ½ lbs iceberg lettuce, shredded
100 hoagie rolls, lightly toasted
2 cups ketchup
2 cups low-fat mayonnaise
2 oz. meat/meat alternative
2 oz. grain equivalent
Calories 378 calories Saturated Fat 5.4 g Sodium 638 mg Carbohydrate 39.7 g
* nutrient data and allergen information may vary depending on the specific ingredients and equipment used in your location.