Gatsby

Nutrition · per serving

Steps

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 230°C and place a baking tray inside to heat. Toss the potatoes with the oil and salt until evenly coated.

   300 g potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries1 tbsp vegetable oil1/4 tsp fine salt
2. 2

   Spread the fries in a single layer on the hot tray and bake for 18-20 minutes, turning once halfway, until golden at the edges and tender inside. For the best beginner-friendly result, avoid overcrowding the tray so the fries roast rather than steam.

   300 g potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
3. 3

   While the fries cook, mix the sliced steak with the masala spice blend, salt, black pepper, and oil. Let it stand for about 5 minutes while you prepare the loaf and fillings; this short rest helps the seasoning cling to the meat.

   300 g beef rump steak, thinly sliced2 tsp masala spice blend1/2 tsp fine salt1/4 tsp black pepper1 tbsp vegetable oil
4. 4

   Split the French loaf lengthwise without cutting all the way through, then lightly press out a little of the soft interior to make room for the filling. Set out the lettuce, pickles, and tomato sauce so assembly is quick once the hot components are ready.

   1 small loaf, about 250 g French loaf60 g shredded lettuce60 g pickle slices80 g tomato sauce
5. 5

   Heat a large frying pan over high heat until very hot. Add the seasoned steak and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until browned and just cooked through. If the pan looks crowded, cook in 2 quick batches so the meat sears instead of releasing too much liquid.

   300 g beef rump steak, thinly sliced
6. 6

   Warm the loaf in the oven for 2 minutes if you like a crisper crust. Fill the loaf with the hot steak, then the fries, then the lettuce and pickles. Spoon over the tomato sauce generously from end to end.

   1 small loaf, about 250 g French loaf300 g beef rump steak, thinly sliced300 g potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries60 g shredded lettuce60 g pickle slices80 g tomato sauce
7. 7

   Cut the Gatsby into 2 large portions and serve immediately while the fries are still crisp and the steak is hot.

Origin & History

The Gatsby is a famous Cape Town sandwich believed to have originated in the 1970s in the suburb of Athlone. Known for its oversized loaf packed with meat, fries, and sauces, it became a beloved shareable street-food meal across the Western Cape.