Classic South African Gatsby Sandwich Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 Freshly Baked Baguette
  • 200g Sliced Cooked Beef
  • 1 Large Onion, chopped
  • 2 Fresh Tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 Cucumber, sliced
  • 4 to 6 Pickled Gherkins, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of Atchar
  • 2 tablespoons of Tomato Sauce
  • 2 tablespoons of Mustard
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons of Vegetable Oil for sautéing

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onions to the pan and sauté until they turn golden brown.
  3. Add the cooked beef to the pan and cook until it is heated through.
  4. Season the beef and onion mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Cut the baguette in half lengthwise but do not separate the halves completely.
  6. Spread the mustard on one side of the baguette and the tomato sauce on the other.
  7. Layer the tomatoes, cucumber, and gherkins on the bottom half of the baguette.
  8. Add the sautéed beef and onions on top of the vegetables.
  9. Spread the atchar over the beef and onions.
  10. Press the top half of the baguette down onto the fillings.
  11. Cut the Gatsby into four equal parts and serve.

Tools for making

  • Cutting Board - Used for slicing vegetables and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - Essential for cutting the baguette, tomatoes, cucumber, and gherkins.
  • Frying Pan - Used to sauté the onions and cook the beef.
  • Spatula - Helps in flipping and stirring the beef and onions while cooking.
  • Bread Knife - Necessary for cutting the baguette in half lengthwise.
  • Measuring Spoons - Used to measure and add the specified amounts of ingredients like atchar, tomato sauce, mustard, salt, and pepper.

Recipe variations

  • Use a different type of bread such as ciabatta or whole wheat bread.
  • Replace the cooked beef with grilled chicken or roasted turkey.
  • Make it vegetarian by using grilled vegetables instead of meat.
  • Add cheese such as cheddar or Swiss to the filling.
  • Include avocado slices for a creamy texture.
  • Experiment with different condiments like aioli, pesto, or sriracha.
  • Add fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, or parsley for extra flavor.
  • Include a spicy kick by adding sliced jalapenos or hot sauce.
  • Make a seafood version by using shrimp, crab, or smoked salmon.
  • Add a fried egg or bacon for a breakfast-inspired Gatsby.

Recipe overview

The Gatsby is a delightful and hearty sandwich that originated in the Cape Flats area of Cape Town, South Africa. This sandwich, often shared amongst friends and family, is known for its delicious combination of flavors and textures, making it a true feast for the senses. A Gatsby consists of a long bread roll generously filled with hot chips, a protein, and various toppings including atchar, pickles, and sauces. This recipe uses tender cooked beef as the protein and a variety of fresh and pickled vegetables for a balance of flavors. With a bit of preparation and some creativity, you can bring this South African street food classic to your very own kitchen. Bon Appetit!

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of bread? - Yes, you can use any type of bread you prefer, but traditionally a freshly baked baguette is used for an authentic Gatsby.
  2. Can I use a different type of meat? - Absolutely! While this recipe calls for sliced cooked beef, you can use other meats such as chicken, lamb, or even vegetarian alternatives like tofu or seitan.
  3. What is atchar? - Atchar is a type of pickled vegetable relish commonly used in South African cuisine. It adds a tangy and slightly spicy flavor to the Gatsby. If you can't find atchar, you can substitute it with your favorite pickles or relish.
  4. Can I add other toppings or condiments? - Definitely! Gatsbys are highly customizable, so feel free to add your favorite toppings and condiments such as cheese, lettuce, mayonnaise, or hot sauce.
  5. Can I prepare the filling in advance? - Yes, you can prepare the sautéed beef and onions in advance and store them in the refrigerator. When ready to assemble the Gatsby, simply reheat the filling before adding it to the bread.
  6. How many servings does this recipe make? - This recipe makes four Gatsby sandwiches, but you can easily adjust the quantities to make more or fewer servings based on your needs.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Cutting Board - A sturdy surface for slicing and preparing ingredients.
  • Knife - A sharp knife for slicing the baguette, vegetables, and beef.
  • Frying Pan - A medium-sized pan for sautéing the onions and beef.
  • Spatula - A tool for flipping and stirring the beef and onions while cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons - Utensils for accurately measuring the quantities of condiments.
  • Bread Knife - A serrated knife for cutting the baguette into serving portions.
  • Plates - For serving the Gatsby portions.
  • Napkins - To clean hands and wipe away any mess while eating.

Origin stories

The Gatsby, a beloved fast food item in Cape Town, South Africa, has a humble and heartwarming origin story. In 1976, Rashaad Pandy, who owned a fish and chips shop in Athlone, wanted to feed some day laborers who had helped him clear out his store. Rather than cooking up his usual fare, he decided to put together a large sandwich using what he had on hand: a round Portuguese roll, polony, slap chips, and achar. The massive sandwich was cut into pieces that could be shared, and the simple meal was such a hit that the laborers came back the next day asking for that "Gatsby smash". The name Gatsby itself was inspired by the movie "The Great Gatsby" which Pandy had seen the previous night. He liked the sound of the name and thought it fit the sandwich due to its size and extravagance. Over the years, the Gatsby has evolved and now typically includes a variety of fillings like masala steak, chicken, calamari, or viennas, but always with chips and achar, served in a baguette. It's a delicious symbol of Cape Town's multicultural heritage and a testament to the creative spirit of its people.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.