17 Homemade Italian Sub Recipe Unleash Your Inner Chef!

The Origins of the Italian Sub

The Birth of the Submarine Sandwich

The Italian sub, also known as a "submarine sandwich," "sub," or "hero," has its roots in the Italian-American communities of the Northeastern United States. In the early 1900s, Italian immigrants were arriving in America and bringing with them their traditional dishes, including the classic Italian sub. These sandwiches were typically made with cold cuts, sliced cheese, and vegetables, and were often served on a long, crusty roll. Submarines were first introduced in the United States in 1928 by Italian immigrant Peter DeLuke, who opened a sandwich shop in New London, Connecticut. He called his sandwiches "submarines" because of their resemblance to the shape of a submarine. This name caught on and soon became a popular term for the sandwich.

The Evolution of the Italian Sub

As these sandwiches gained popularity, different versions and variations began to emerge. In the 1930s, the term "submarine sandwich" was shortened to "sub" and was commonly served in Italian-American communities. The sandwich continued to evolve and take on new forms, with different regions adding their own unique twists to the recipe. In New York City, for example, the Italian sub is often made with cured meats such as prosciutto and capicola, while in Philadelphia, it's common to find an Italian sub topped with broccoli rabe. Today, the Italian sub has become a staple in delis and sandwich shops across the country, loved for its flavorful combination of cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables. But nothing beats a homemade Italian sub, where you have complete control over the ingredients and can truly make it your own.

Creating the Perfect Homemade Italian Sub

Ingredients

To make a delicious homemade Italian sub, you'll need the following ingredients:

• Crusty Italian bread or hoagie rolls
• Italian cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, and capicola
• Sliced provolone cheese
• Thinly sliced vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and lettuce
• Olive oil, red wine vinegar, and Italian seasoning for dressing

Instructions

1. Start by slicing your bread or hoagie rolls in half lengthwise. 2. Drizzle some olive oil and red wine vinegar on one half of the bread and sprinkle with Italian seasoning. 3. Layer your Italian cured meats and sliced provolone cheese on the other half of the bread. 4. Add your desired vegetables on top of the cheese. 5. Place the two halves of the bread together to form a sandwich. 6. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld together. 7. When ready to serve, unwrap the sandwich and cut into smaller portions if desired. And there you have it! A delicious, homemade Italian sub that is sure to impress. So the next time you're craving a taste of Italy, skip the deli and make your own authentic Italian sub at home. Buon appetito!