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Irresistible Italian Sub Recipe with Easy Zesty Giardiniera Topping

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A flavorful Italian sub sandwich featuring layers of savory meats, provolone cheese, fresh veggies, and a zesty homemade giardiniera topping that adds a spicy, crunchy kick.

Ingredients

  • Italian sub roll or hoagie bun (about 8 inches; fresh and soft with a slight crust)
  • Thinly sliced salami (preferably Genoa)
  • Thinly sliced capicola
  • Thinly sliced ham
  • Provolone cheese slices
  • Leafy Romaine or iceberg lettuce (washed and dried)
  • Thinly sliced ripe tomato
  • Pickled cauliflower florets (about ½ cup)
  • Pickled carrots, sliced thin (½ cup)
  • Pickled celery sticks, chopped (¼ cup)
  • Pickled hot cherry peppers, sliced (adjust amount for spice tolerance)
  • Olive oil (2 tablespoons, extra virgin preferred)
  • Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon)
  • Dried oregano (½ teaspoon)
  • Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
  • Yellow mustard (thin spread)
  • Mayonnaise (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Giardiniera: In a medium mixing bowl, combine ½ cup pickled cauliflower, ½ cup pickled carrots, ¼ cup pickled celery, and sliced hot cherry peppers (start with 1 tablespoon and adjust for heat). Add 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Whisk gently until veggies are evenly coated. Let sit for 10 minutes to marry flavors. Pat dry…
  2. Slice the Bread: Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the Italian sub roll lengthwise leaving a hinge so the sandwich holds together. Be careful not to squish the bread.
  3. Spread Condiments: Lightly spread yellow mustard on the bottom half of the bread; add mayonnaise on the top half if desired.
  4. Layer the Meats: Place 3-4 slices of salami, followed by 3 slices of capicola, then 3 slices of ham, overlapping slightly to cover the bread evenly.
  5. Add Cheese: Place 2 slices of provolone cheese over the meats. Optionally, melt cheese under a broiler for 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
  6. Top with Fresh Veggies: Add a layer of Romaine lettuce and 3-4 slices of ripe tomato.
  7. Finish with Giardiniera: Spoon ¼ to ⅓ cup of the zesty giardiniera over the veggies.
  8. Close and Press: Fold the sandwich closed and press lightly to meld ingredients. For a warm sub, wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Notes

Pat pickled veggies dry if too wet to avoid soggy bread. Layer lettuce between bread and wet ingredients to keep bread from getting soggy. Slice meats thinly for better sandwich structure. Giardiniera can be made ahead and refrigerated to deepen flavors. Adjust hot peppers and red pepper flakes to control spice level. Gluten-free bread can be used as a substitute.

Nutrition

Keywords: Italian sub, giardiniera, sandwich, easy lunch, zesty topping, deli sandwich, homemade giardiniera

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/irresistible-italian-sub-recipe-with-easy-zesty-giardiniera-topping/