Roast Beef Sandwiches Get A Tangy Refresh When Paired With This Jarred Italian Ingredient

Roast beef sandwiches are packed with savory goodness. But add a tangy twist with giardiniera, and you'll have a more interesting sandwich. A true Italian giardiniera is a jar of pickled vegetables that are submerged in salt water and sit through the night to maintain their crisp character. The salt water is then drained while the vegetables are washed before they go on to swim in vinegar, along with oil and spices. There are no strict rules when it comes to the accoutrements, though you'd usually find carrots, cauliflower, celery, onions, and peppers — all of which are diced into chunky yet bite-sized-friendly pieces. Of course, they should also be fresh, as the freshness of the ingredients is important in pickling.

To add giardiniera to your roast beef sandwich, just slide it in as the finishing touch, though, due to its strong tang, you might want to take it easy on the serving to avoid overpowering other ingredients. Just like how you would introduce pickles, you'd want it to serve as a zesty intermission and not as the headliner. If the pieces are too big to your liking, you can always dice them into smaller pieces. Alternatively, you can serve giardiniera like a lively side dish. Whichever serving option you prefer, the jarred Italian ingredient packs plenty of sharpness and interesting textures, resulting in a delightful contrast. But as always, a little more pizzazz wouldn't hurt. 

Giardiniera's pleasant tang pairs well with the saltiness of provolone. Together, it can uplift your roast beef sandwich's boldness, resulting in a more satisfying depth. Sharp white cheddar is an addition worth exploring, too, as its savory component complements the richness of roast beef, while its creaminess cuts through the tang of the giardiniera. Meanwhile, a sturdy bread is what you need for the perfect roast beef sandwich. And since giardiniera offers a nice crunch while the cheese is soft and gooey, you'd need something like a rustic sourdough to handle the fillings. Plus, you can never go wrong with rustic bread.

You can also upgrade the sandwich with a snazzy addition of toppings. A hot sauce vinaigrette is tangy and spicy, giving the flavor-packed handheld an unexpected heat that boosts the character of other ingredients. Dijon mustard can give the sandwich a lively touch, while its sharpness allows the flavors to round out nicely. You can even turn roast beef into a fancy lunch using caramelized onion jam, which contributes a sweet surprise that makes the saltiness and tanginess feel less heavy and overwhelming.

For a heartier touch, serve the roast beef sandwich with a side of fries, which are pretty versatile and can complement a lot of savory meals. On the other hand, coleslaw is a classic choice, especially if you want something rich and creamy to offset the robust character of the sandwich. Its playful crunch adds another dimension to the already crunchy dish — perfect for those who enjoy textural variety on their plate.