Chopped Italian Sub Recipe

Indulge in the savory delight of a Chopped Italian Sub. Bursting with the flavors of fresh vegetables, an assortment of deli meats, and a zesty homemade Italian dressing, this sandwich is a true crowd-pleaser. Whether it's lunchtime or a casual get-together, this recipe promises to satisfy your taste buds.

Origin of the "Chopped" Technique: The concept of chopping the ingredients for the Italian Sub actually originates from Italian-American delis and sandwich shops. It's believed that this technique was developed to create a more harmonious blend of flavors in every bite, making it distinct from the traditional Italian sub, which typically features neatly layered ingredients.

Versatility of Ingredients: One of the most interesting aspects of the Chopped Italian Sub is its versatility. You can adapt this recipe to your liking by choosing your favorite deli meats, cheeses, and vegetables. This flexibility allows you to experiment with different flavor combinations and create a sub that perfectly suits your taste preferences. It's a sandwich that encourages creativity in the kitchen and can be customized to accommodate various dietary preferences, including vegetarian and vegan options.

FAQs

**Q1: What makes a Chopped Italian Sub different from a traditional Italian sub?**

A1: A Chopped Italian Sub is a variation of the classic Italian sub where the ingredients are chopped and mixed together before assembling the sandwich. This gives it a unique texture and flavor profile compared to the traditional layered approach.

**Q2: Can I customize the deli meats in this recipe?**

A2: Absolutely! You can use your favorite deli meats in this recipe. While we suggest ham, pepperoni, turkey breast, and salami, feel free to mix and match to suit your taste.

**Q3: Are there any vegetarian or vegan options for this sub?**

A3: Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of the Chopped Italian Sub by omitting the deli meats and using plant-based alternatives. You can also use vegan cheese or skip the cheese altogether for a vegan option.

**Q4: What's the key to making the homemade Italian dressing flavorful?**

A4: The key to a flavorful Italian dressing is the balance of acidity, herbs, and spices. Using fresh lemon juice, quality extra virgin olive oil, and a blend of Italian seasoning, garlic, and red pepper flakes will ensure a delicious dressing.

**Q5: Can I prepare the dressing in advance?**

A5: Yes, you can prepare the Italian dressing ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good shake before using.

**Q6: How can I toast the hoagie rolls if I don't have a toaster?**

A6: If you don't have a toaster, you can toast the rolls in the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the rolls on a baking sheet, and bake for a few minutes until they're lightly toasted.

**Q7: Can I make these subs in advance for a party or picnic?**

A7: Yes, you can prepare the subs in advance. Wrap them tightly in parchment paper or plastic wrap to keep them fresh. They are perfect for picnics, parties, or as grab-and-go meals.

**Q8: Can I use a different type of bread for this recipe?**

A8: While hoagie rolls are traditional, you can use other types of bread like baguettes, ciabatta, or even whole-grain rolls to suit your preference.

**Q9: How do I prevent the black olives from rolling away when chopping them?**

A9: To prevent olives from rolling away, you can use a cutting board with a groove or a damp cloth under the board to stabilize it. Alternatively, you can cut the olives in half before chopping them.

**Q10: Can I adjust the spiciness level of the sub?**

A10: Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding more or fewer pepperoncini peppers and red pepper flakes to the sub. Taste as you go to find your preferred level of heat.

Make it

Chopped Italian Sub Recipe

**Ingredients:**

*For the Chopped Italian Sub:*

- Half a small head of iceberg lettuce

- 1-2 tomatoes, thinly sliced

- Red onion, thinly sliced

- Pepperoncini peppers

- 1/2 cup of black olives

- Assorted deli meats (ham, pepperoni, turkey breast, salami)

- 8 slices of provolone cheese

- Hoagie rolls

- Butter for toasting

- Optional: mayonnaise

*For the Homemade Italian Dressing:*

- 1/4 cup of extra virgin olive oil

- 1/8 cup of red wine vinegar

- Juice of half a lemon

- 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning

- 1/2 teaspoon of granulated sugar

- 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder

- 1/8 teaspoon of red pepper flakes

- A pinch of kosher salt

- Freshly ground black pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. Begin by preparing the Homemade Italian Dressing. In a mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, granulated sugar, garlic powder, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the dressing is well combined. Set it aside.

2. Slice the iceberg lettuce and tomatoes thinly. Arrange the lettuce, tomatoes, red onion slices, pepperoncini peppers, and black olives on a work surface.

3. Layer the assorted deli meats (ham, pepperoni, turkey breast, salami) and provolone cheese on top of the prepared vegetables.

4. To assemble the Chopped Italian Subs, open the hoagie rolls and spread a little bit of butter on the inside. Toast the rolls for a couple of minutes until they have a delightful crunch.

5. Once the rolls are toasted, drizzle a couple of tablespoons of the Homemade Italian Dressing onto the bottom half of each roll.

6. If desired, you can also add a touch of mayonnaise to the top half of the rolls.

7. Transfer the meat and cheese mixture onto the dressed rolls.

8. Close the sandwiches and enjoy your mouthwatering Chopped Italian Subs!

9. You can wrap them in parchment paper for a convenient, on-the-go meal or serve them immediately.

**Conclusion:**

Treat yourself and your loved ones to the scrumptious flavors of a Chopped Italian Sub. With the perfect combination of fresh ingredients and the tangy Homemade Italian Dressing, this sandwich is sure to become a favorite for any occasion. Buon appetito!