Subs and sandwiches are kind of like pizza in that you tend to remember when you have a really good one. I think back to the sub I had at the Arthur Ave Italian Deli in the Bronx and I can actually remember how it tasted. The fresh bread, perfect amount of condiments, and lots of flavor in each bite. Sandwiches are so fun in that each bite is a little different, and the really good ones have a way of taking you back. The grilled cheese your mom would make you, a Philly cheesesteak from your favorite pizza place, or in this case an Italian sub from your neighborhood deli.
While you may be standing in your grocery store deli line for a while, this sub is totally worth it. It is flavorful and delicious, and also filled with protein. In terms of deli meat, the prosciutto in this Classic Italian Sub may not be so classic, but it is one of my all time favorites and fits right in alongside it's cured-meat-cousins. So go for it and feel free to substitute any of other of your favorite meats if you like.
Once you have your meats picked out, (also, I apologize, but I'm not letting you pick out the cheese. It simply has to be provolone. With all that's going on in this sub you need a cheese that won't be overshadowed. Enter the strongest of them all!), you can head straight for the condiments.
The only quick step before assembly is soaking the red onion in water while you get the other condiments together. We all like a little bite but this helps the red onion not overpower everything else.
Next, line everything you need up, so you can become the assembly line that would make any sub shop proud. I always feel like I'm forgetting a condiment, so consider this recipe your handy list of all of the classics. Although pepperoncini might not be on your typical grocery list, those little guys are delicious, so grab a small jar.
Time to layer! In my opinion, the bread shouldn't be toasted for this sub. Let's keep those cold cuts cold. Order of operations will be your friend to get perfect bites and to avoid the dreaded soggy bread.
Roll up your sleeves, grab a diet coke, and get ready for each bite to fill you with joy.
An old time classic Italian sub packed with meat, cheese, veggies, and flavor in every bite.
Servings: 4
1. Place red onion in a small bowl with water.
2. Cut each baguette in half, then slice each piece lengthwise, not cutting quite all the way through to the other edge.
3. Drizzle olive oil and half of the red wine vinegar to the insides of each roll. Sprinkle with kosher salt and black pepper. Splitting equally between the 4 rolls, layer ingredients in the above order onto each.
4. Top with chopped romaine, sprinkle with oregano and additional salt and pepper, and finish each with remaining red wine vinegar.
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