Think you know Chicago food? Think again! There's a secret lurking in the Windy City's Chinese takeout scene that will blow your mind: peanut butter in egg rolls! Yes, you read that right. While Chicago is famous for its hot dogs, Italian beef, and even deep-dish pizza (though locals might tell you they don't eat it as often as tourists think!), there's a lesser-known culinary quirk that sets its egg rolls apart. It's a subtle difference, but once you taste it, you'll never go back.
So, what makes Chicago-style egg rolls so special? The answer is surprisingly simple: peanut butter. Some restaurants in the city sneak a bit of peanut butter into the filling, creating a rich, nutty undertone that elevates the entire experience. It's not an overpowering flavor, but it's definitely noticeable, adding a depth and complexity that you won't find in your average egg roll. It's like a secret handshake, a subtle signal that you're eating at a place that understands the true Chicago way. But here's where it gets controversial... not every Chinese-American restaurant in Chicago uses peanut butter in their egg rolls. It's a regional variation, a delicious anomaly that you have to seek out. But once you've tasted it, trust me, other egg rolls will seem bland and uninspired in comparison.
The Mystery of the Peanut Butter Egg Roll: A Culinary Detective Story
How did this unusual ingredient find its way into Chicago's egg rolls? The Chicago Tribune embarked on a quest to uncover the origins of this unique culinary creation. Their investigation led them to David Leong, a Chinese restaurant owner in Springfield, Missouri. Leong claimed he learned the trick while working at a Philadelphia restaurant in 1945, after returning from his service in World War II. And this is the part most people miss... the trail went cold after that. The exact route by which the peanut butter egg roll migrated to Chicago remains a mystery. But for some reason, Chicagoans embraced this nutty twist, and it became a beloved local favorite.
Can't Find Chicago-Style Egg Rolls? Make Your Own!
If you don't live in the Chicago area, finding egg rolls with peanut butter might be a challenge, but it's not impossible! Your best bet is to ask directly. Call up your local Chinese restaurants and inquire whether their egg rolls contain peanut butter. If you strike gold, consider yourself lucky! But if you're out of luck, don't despair. You can easily recreate this Chicago classic at home. Simply add a few tablespoons of peanut butter to your favorite egg roll filling. And if you're not sure how to properly roll an egg roll, don't worry, there are plenty of online tutorials to guide you. Once you've mastered the technique, you can dip your homemade Chicago-style egg rolls in your favorite sauce and enjoy a taste of the Windy City, no plane ticket required.
So, what do you think? Is peanut butter in egg rolls a stroke of genius or a culinary abomination? Have you ever tried a Chicago-style egg roll? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Do you think this is a tradition that should be more widespread, or is it best kept as a unique Chicago secret? Let's discuss!
