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Italian Heroes Recipe

Recipe by Pedro M. A. Neves

Italian Heroes are hearty submarine sandwiches filled with cured meats, cheeses, and fresh vegetables layered between crusty Italian bread. This classic sandwich is a staple of Italian-American delis and family gatherings, offering bold flavors and satisfying substance in every bite. Perfect for lunch, picnics, or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

• 1 Italian sub roll or hero bread loaf (45 cm / 18 inches)
• 150 g / 5.3 oz capicola or soppressata, thinly sliced
• 100 g / 3.5 oz mortadella, thinly sliced
• 100 g / 3.5 oz prosciutto, thinly sliced
• 150 g / 5.3 oz provolone cheese, thinly sliced
• 100 g / 3.5 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 2 roasted red bell peppers from a jar, drained
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
• 1 cup / 30 g fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup / 30 g fresh lettuce or arugula
• 60 ml / 0.25 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 30 ml / 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1. Slice the hero bread loaf lengthwise to create two equal halves. Use a serrated knife with a gentle sawing motion to avoid crushing the bread.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Set the dressing aside.

3. Lightly brush the interior of both bread halves with the prepared dressing, distributing evenly across the surfaces.

4. Layer the cured meats on the bottom half of the bread in this order: capicola, mortadella, then prosciutto, slightly overlapping each slice.

Substitutions

• Use vegan deli slices and dairy-free cheese for a plant-based version
• Replace traditional cured meats with smoked turkey or roasted chicken breast for a lighter option
• Substitute provolone with fresh burrata or fontina cheese for variation
• Use gluten-free hero bread for those with gluten sensitivity

Tips

• Slice all meats and cheeses thinly at a deli counter for easier layering and better flavor distribution
• Allow the assembled sandwich to rest wrapped in parchment paper for 15-20 minutes before serving so flavors meld and bread absorbs the dressing slightly
• Toast the bread lightly before assembling for added texture and structural integrity, especially if preparing sandwiches ahead of time
• For best results, use high-quality Italian ingredients sourced from a reputable Italian market or deli

Italian Heroes are quintessentially Italian-American, born from the resourcefulness of Italian immigrants who layered their beloved cured meats and cheeses between bread. While not traditionally served in Italy, the sandwich reflects authentic Italian ingredients and flavors, representing the immigrant culinary tradition that shaped American food culture.

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