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Delicious Italian Sub Sandwich Recipe with Easy Homemade Giardiniera

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A flavorful Italian sub sandwich featuring layers of Italian deli meats, provolone cheese, fresh veggies, and a tangy, spicy homemade giardiniera that adds a lively crunch and zest.

Ingredients

  • Sub sandwich rolls (6-8 inches; crusty yet soft inside)
  • Italian deli meats: sliced salami, ham, and capicola
  • Provolone cheese, sliced
  • Fresh shredded lettuce (iceberg or romaine)
  • Ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced
  • Red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
  • Olive oil (extra virgin preferred for drizzling)
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • Cauliflower florets, bite-sized
  • Carrots, sliced thin
  • Celery, diced
  • Jalapeños or mild chili peppers, sliced
  • Green olives, pitted and sliced
  • Garlic cloves, minced
  • Dried oregano
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Water
  • White vinegar
  • Olive oil (to finish giardiniera)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Giardiniera: Wash and chop cauliflower, carrots, celery, and peppers into bite-sized pieces. Mince garlic finely.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup white vinegar, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon salt, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes. Bring to a boil to dissolve the salt.
  3. Place chopped vegetables and sliced green olives in a large heatproof bowl or jar. Pour hot vinegar mixture over veggies and let cool to room temperature.
  4. Once cooled, stir in 1/4 cup olive oil. Seal jar and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, preferably 24, to develop flavor.
  5. Prep the Sandwich Ingredients: Slice provolone, tomatoes, and red onion thinly. Wash and shred lettuce.
  6. Slice deli meats thinly if not pre-sliced. Slice sub rolls lengthwise but not all the way through.
  7. Assemble the Sandwich: Drizzle olive oil and a splash of red wine vinegar inside each roll. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  8. Layer meats starting with ham, then salami, then capicola, folding slices to fill roll without overstuffing.
  9. Add a generous layer of provolone slices over meats.
  10. Top with shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion rings.
  11. Spoon a good amount of homemade giardiniera over the veggies.
  12. Close sandwich gently and press down lightly to meld flavors.
  13. Serve & Enjoy: Cut sandwich in half if desired and serve immediately with chips or salad.

Notes

Use fresh, firm vegetables for giardiniera to keep crunch. Let giardiniera marinate at least 12-24 hours for best flavor. Add giardiniera just before serving to avoid soggy bread. For gluten-free, use gluten-free rolls or lettuce wraps. Thin slicing of meats and veggies improves layering and eating experience.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sub sandwich, giardiniera, homemade giardiniera, deli meats, provolone, sandwich recipe, easy sandwich, quick lunch, Italian sandwich

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/delicious-italian-sub-sandwich-recipe-with-easy-homemade-giardiniera/