Embark on an extraordinary culinary journey with our exquisite Carne Asada Cheesesteak Hoagies with Chipotle Hummus. This recipe transcends the ordinary, offering a symphony of bold flavors and irresistible textures that promise to elevate your dining experience from the very first bite. Imagine tender, perfectly marinated carne asada, succulent roasted peppers and onions, a luscious homemade cheese sauce, all nestled within a toasted hoagie bun and crowned with the smoky, zesty kick of chipotle hummus. This isn’t just a sandwich; it’s a meticulously crafted fusion, designed for the discerning palate and guaranteed to transform any meal into a moment of pure satisfaction.
Today marks a truly special occasion, a day brimming with excitement and culinary delight! You might be wondering, what exactly are we celebrating with such gusto? Well, allow me to share the wonderful details. Firstly, the weekend is almost upon us – a reason in itself for joyful anticipation. Secondly, in just one week, I’ll be flying to the vibrant city of Portland, Oregon, for the first time, attending the highly anticipated Indulge Conference. My excitement to explore Portland’s renowned food scene is absolutely palpable, though I confess I haven’t yet mapped out my must-visit eateries. If you have any recommendations for fantastic dining spots or hidden gems in Portland, please share them – I’m eager to hear your suggestions!
Last, but certainly not least, and perhaps the most delicious reason for our celebration today, is the glorious observance of Sabra National Hummus Day! It’s a day dedicated to appreciating one of the world’s most versatile and beloved dips, and we are thrilled to join in the festivities with a recipe that truly highlights its incredible potential.
Speaking of hummus, I’m not sure about you, but for me, it’s a daily essential. I genuinely incorporate hummus into almost every meal – breakfast, lunch, dinner, and all snack opportunities in between. The thought of a life without hummus is quite frankly a daunting prospect! I’m a particularly enthusiastic fan of avocado hummus toasts for a quick and satisfying breakfast, and a simple snack of cheese paired with creamy hummus is always a winner. And for something truly unique and incredibly delicious, I wholeheartedly recommend trying hummus on pizza. Seriously, my Curry Hummus Naan Pizza with Coconut Shrimp recipe remains one of my absolute favorites, showcasing just how wonderfully hummus can transform familiar dishes into something extraordinary.
Celebrating National Hummus Day with a Gourmet Twist
While I recognize that there’s an abundance of food holidays (they even celebrate things like liver & chopped onions day, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea), I firmly believe that a national day dedicated to celebrating hummus is not only well-deserved but absolutely essential. To honor this chickpea-tastic day in the most delicious way possible, I envisioned crafting a truly special dish, and these spicy cheesesteak sandwiches were the perfect fit. But let me assure you, these are far from your ordinary sandwiches. These culinary creations are meticulously prepared, boasting succulent carne asada, perfectly roasted vegetables, a rich and velvety homemade cheese sauce, and a generous dollop of our star ingredient – the smoky, spicy Chipotle Hummus. It’s a flavor combination so compelling, it might just make the classic Philly cheesesteak a little envious.
Our Carne Asada Cheesesteak Hoagies with Chipotle Hummus are a testament to how versatile and transformative hummus can be. The bold, marinated flavors of the carne asada, the sweetness of the caramelized peppers and onions, the gooey, savory cheese sauce, and the creamy, zesty finish of the chipotle hummus all come together in a symphony of taste that is both comforting and exhilarating. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s an experience, a journey through textures and spices that culminates in a truly unforgettable sandwich.
If you share my profound love for hummus, you’ll be delighted to know that Sabra will be giving away special coupons today only! Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to stock up on your favorite hummus. Visit their website for more details on how to enter and claim your offer. And for even more inspiration and delicious hummus recipes, be sure to follow the hashtag #HummusDay across social media. You’ll find a vibrant community of hummus lovers sharing innovative ways to enjoy this incredible dip.
***This post was sponsored by Sabra. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own. My passion for hummus is entirely genuine, and I only recommend products I truly believe in and enjoy.***
Carne Asada Cheesesteak Hoagies with Chipotle Hummus
Prep Time: 4 hours (includes marinating time)
Cook Time: 1 hour
Ingredients:
For the Carne Asada Marinade:
1/3 cup olive oil
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 jalapeño pepper, deseeded and finely diced
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely diced
Juice of 2 fresh limes
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 1/2 tablespoons white vinegar
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1.5 pounds flank steak, trimmed
For the Cheesesteaks:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 yellow bell pepper, cored and sliced thinly
1 orange bell pepper, cored and sliced thinly
1 red bell pepper, cored and sliced thinly
1 large yellow onion, sliced thinly
4 high-quality hoagie buns, lightly toasted
1 cup Sabra Chipotle Hummus, or your favorite brand
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
Queso fresco, crumbled, for garnish (optional)
For the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup whole milk
3/4 cup pepper jack cheese, freshly shredded (or a blend of Monterey Jack and a touch of cheddar)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Directions:
1. Prepare the Carne Asada:
In a food processor, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, diced jalapeño, fresh cilantro, lime juice, cumin, smoked paprika, white vinegar, granulated sugar, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Blend until the marinade is smooth and well combined. Place the flank steak into a large, sturdy Ziploc bag or a shallow dish. Pour the entire carne asada marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat. This marinating step is crucial for tender, flavorful carne asada.
2. Grill the Carne Asada:
Once the steak has marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. Grill the flank steak for approximately 4-5 minutes on the first side to achieve a beautiful sear and desired doneness (for medium-rare). Flip the steak and grill for an additional 2-3 minutes. Remove the steak from the grill and transfer it to a cutting board. Let it rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. Resting allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and moist final product. After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin, bite-sized strips. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
While the steak is resting or before grilling, preheat a large skillet or cast-iron pan to medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Once hot, add the thinly sliced yellow, orange, and red bell peppers, along with the sliced yellow onion. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sauté, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables have softened and developed a slight char, which typically takes about 7-10 minutes. The caramelization of the onions and peppers adds a wonderful sweetness and depth of flavor to the hoagies. Remove the skillet from heat and set aside.
4. Make the Creamy Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and sizzling, add 3 tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This will serve as the base for your creamy sauce. Gradually pour the 1 cup of whole milk into the saucepan while vigorously whisking to prevent lumps. Continue to whisk until the sauce begins to thicken slightly, usually within 3-5 minutes. Once thickened, reduce the heat to low, add the 3/4 cup of shredded pepper jack cheese, and continue to whisk until the cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a smooth, velvety sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Keep warm over very low heat.
5. Assemble the Hoagies:
Lightly toast your hoagie buns for a minute or two, either in the skillet, on the grill, or under the broiler, until they are warm and slightly crisp. To assemble each hoagie, open a toasted bun and generously stuff it with the thinly sliced, juicy carne asada. Next, pile on a generous portion of the sautéed bell peppers and onions. Drizzle a liberal amount of the warm, creamy cheese sauce over the steak and vegetables. Finish by adding a dollop of Sabra Chipotle Hummus directly on top, spreading it slightly for an even distribution of flavor. For an extra touch of freshness and authenticity, garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and crumbled queso fresco, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy these incredible Carne Asada Cheesesteak Hoagies with Chipotle Hummus!
All images and text ©Lauren Grier for The Curious Plate
Why These Hoagies Are a Must-Try Culinary Sensation
Our Carne Asada Cheesesteak Hoagies with Chipotle Hummus are more than just a recipe; they are a celebration of flavor, texture, and creative cooking. This dish exemplifies how a classic comfort food can be elevated with a gourmet, global twist. The meticulous marination of the flank steak ensures every bite is bursting with rich, savory goodness, while the combination of roasted peppers and onions adds a natural sweetness and smoky depth. The homemade cheese sauce provides a luxurious, creamy element that perfectly binds all the components together, but it’s the Chipotle Hummus that truly sets this hoagie apart. Its smoky, subtly spicy, and incredibly smooth texture introduces an unexpected yet harmonious layer of flavor, transforming a familiar concept into an unforgettable culinary experience.
Whether you’re looking for an impressive dish to serve at your next gathering, a unique weeknight dinner, or simply an excuse to celebrate the versatility of hummus, these hoagies are an absolute must-try. They offer a perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and creamy indulgence, making them both satisfying and incredibly delicious. Prepare to delight your senses and impress your taste buds with this remarkable fusion of Mexican-inspired flavors and classic American sandwich artistry. Get ready to savor every extraordinary bite and discover your new favorite hoagie!