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Flavorful Italian Sub Sandwich Recipe with Easy Zesty Homemade Giardiniera

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A vibrant Italian sub sandwich featuring layers of savory meats and cheeses, fresh veggies, and a zesty homemade giardiniera that adds a crunchy, tangy punch. Perfect for a quick lunch or casual dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Submarine sandwich rolls, preferably crusty and fresh (Italian or French-style)
  • Thinly sliced Genoa salami
  • Thinly sliced capicola or ham
  • Provolone cheese slices
  • Shredded iceberg lettuce
  • Tomato slices, ripe and juicy
  • Thinly sliced red onion (optional)
  • Mayonnaise or lightly flavored Italian dressing
  • Cauliflower florets, small bite-sized pieces
  • Carrots, peeled and sliced thin
  • Celery stalks, thinly sliced
  • Jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced (adjust to heat preference)
  • Green olives, pitted and sliced
  • Garlic cloves, minced
  • Fresh oregano leaves, chopped (or 1 tsp dried oregano)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz) white vinegar
  • 1/2 cup (4 fl oz) olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Rinse and chop cauliflower, carrots, celery, jalapeños, and olives into small, uniform pieces. Mince garlic and chop oregano.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped vegetables and herbs.
  3. Add 1 cup (240 ml) white vinegar, 1/2 cup (120 ml) olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to coat everything evenly.
  4. Transfer the mixture to a jar or airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight.
  5. Slice the sandwich rolls lengthwise, leaving a hinge.
  6. Layer the meats first—start with salami, then capicola or ham.
  7. Add slices of provolone cheese on top of the meats. Optionally, broil the sandwich for 1-2 minutes to melt the cheese.
  8. Spread mayonnaise or Italian dressing on the inside of the rolls.
  9. Add shredded lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion on top of the cheese.
  10. Drain the giardiniera slightly and spoon it generously over the veggies in the sandwich.
  11. Close the sandwich gently, press down lightly, and serve.

Notes

Marinate giardiniera for at least 4 hours or overnight for best flavor and texture. Drain giardiniera well before adding to sandwich to avoid soggy bread. Optional broiling melts cheese and adds warmth. Use gluten-free rolls for gluten-free version. Adjust jalapeño and red pepper flakes for spice level. Vegetarian and vegan versions can substitute meats and cheese with grilled veggies or vegan alternatives.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://jodierecipes.com/flavorful-italian-sub-sandwich-recipe-with-easy-zesty-homemade-giardiniera/