Recipe: Comfort Diner Sliced Steak Sandwich with Mushrooms on Garlic Toast

COMFORT DINER SLICED STEAK SANDWICH WITH MUSHROOMS ON GARLIC TOAST

"This sandwich was our precursor to the cheesesteak, and it's a snap to make at home. When you bite into this combination of cheese, meat, and mushrooms with just a hint of garlic, you get a true taste of comfort food.

4 hero rolls
1 garlic clove
8 slices mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
3 cups white mushrooms, thinly sliced (about 12 mushrooms)
2 pounds thin-sliced beef cutlets, or a whole strip steak

Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.

Slice the rolls though the middle, but do not slice all the way through. Place the rolls opened up in the oven for 5 minutes, until just crisp. Remove from the oven. Rub a clove of garlic over the inside of the rolls.

In a saute pan, warm the oil over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and saute for 3-4 minutes, until soft and dark brown. Place the mushrooms in a bowl and set aside.

If using sliced beef, place it in the pan and sear quickly, for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, until browned. (If using a whole steak, sear on both sides until done to your preference. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and slice into strips.)

TO SERVE:
Place 2 sliced of cheese on the inside of each roll and return to the oven for 2 minutes until the cheese is melted. Remove the rolls from the oven and divided the meat evenly among the sandwiches. Top with the cooked mushrooms. Serve warm.

Makes 4 servings
Source: The Comfort Diner Cookbook by Ira Freehof and Pia Catton