Cajun Vastedda

Ingredients

In this Cajun adaptation of Vastedda, the original Sicilian dish is transformed by incorporating Cajun flavors and ingredients. The beef is braised in a blend of Cajun spices, giving it a spicy kick and a distinct Cajun flavor profile. The traditional Sicilian bread is replaced with a crusty French bread roll, which adds a different texture and complements the Cajun flavors. Additionally, the original Vastedda does not typically include cheese, but in this Cajun version, melted provolone cheese is added to enhance the richness and creaminess of the sandwich. We alse have the original recipe for Vastedda, so you can check it out.

• 500g (1.1 lb) beef chuck roast 500g (1.1 lb) beef chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 onion, thinly sliced 1 onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 4 French bread rolls 4 French bread rolls
• 4 slices provolone cheese 4 slices provolone cheese
• Cajun Remoulade Sauce: Cajun Remoulade Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions 1 tablespoon chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped 1 tablespoon capers, drained and chopped
• 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 550 kcal / 2300 KJ
• Fat: 32g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 3g)
• Protein: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Preheat the oven to 160°C (325°F).
2. 2.
   Rub the beef chuck roast with Cajun seasoning, ensuring it is evenly coated.
3. 3.
   Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear the beef on all sides until browned.
4. 4.
   Remove the beef from the Dutch oven and set aside.
5. 5.
   In the same Dutch oven, add the sliced onion, minced garlic, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
6. 6.
   Return the beef to the Dutch oven and add enough water to cover the meat.
7. 7.
   Cover the Dutch oven and transfer it to the preheated oven. Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the beef is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
8. 8.
   Remove the beef from the Dutch oven and shred it using two forks.
9. 9.
   To prepare the Cajun Remoulade Sauce, combine all the sauce ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. 10.
    Slice the French bread rolls in half lengthwise and spread a generous amount of the Cajun Remoulade Sauce on both sides.
11. 11.
    Divide the shredded beef evenly among the rolls and top each with a slice of provolone cheese.
12. 12.
    Place the sandwiches on a baking sheet and broil in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
13. 13.
    Serve the Cajun Vastedda sandwiches hot and enjoy!

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Beef chuck roast — For the best results, choose a well-marbled chuck roast for tenderness and flavor.
• Cajun seasoning — You can use store-bought Cajun seasoning or make your own by combining paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
• French bread rolls — Look for crusty rolls with a soft interior to hold the filling without becoming too soggy.
• Cajun Remoulade Sauce — Adjust the hot sauce according to your preferred level of spiciness. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra tanginess.
• Provolone cheese — If you prefer a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or pepper jack, feel free to substitute it.

Tips & Tricks

• For an extra kick of heat, add a few dashes of hot sauce to the braising liquid.
• If you prefer a milder flavor, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning in the beef.
• To save time, you can use a slow cooker instead of the oven for braising the beef. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
• Serve the Cajun Vastedda with a side of coleslaw or pickles for a refreshing contrast to the spicy flavors.
• If you're unable to find French bread rolls, you can use a baguette or any crusty bread that can hold the filling.

Serving advice

Serve the Cajun Vastedda sandwiches hot, accompanied by a side of coleslaw or pickles. This dish pairs well with a cold beer or a glass of iced tea.

Presentation advice

To enhance the presentation, you can garnish the Cajun Vastedda sandwiches with a sprinkle of chopped green onions or a drizzle of the Cajun Remoulade Sauce. Serve them on a wooden cutting board or a rustic platter for a visually appealing display.