The Italian sub, a sandwich piled high with cured meats, cheeses, and vibrant vegetables, is a beloved classic across the United States. While variations abound depending on regional preferences and individual tastes, the core elements that define an “Italian” sub remain relatively consistent. This article explores the quintessential components of an Italian sub, particularly those you might find at a Subway restaurant, while also delving into common variations and additions that make this sandwich so versatile and appealing.
The Foundation: Bread and Oils
The bread is arguably the most critical foundation for any great sandwich, and the Italian sub is no exception. At Subway, you’ll typically find a selection of bread options, but for the most authentic Italian experience, the Italian or hearty Italian bread is the most fitting choice. These breads provide a sturdy, slightly chewy base that can hold up to the generous fillings without becoming soggy.
The key is a bread that offers a good crust to interior ratio, allowing for both a satisfying bite and a soft, absorbent interior to soak up the flavorful oils and dressings. While Subway may offer other bread choices, sticking to these traditionally styled loaves will bring you closer to the true Italian sub experience.
The “oil” component of an Italian sub is also crucial. At Subway, the common offering is a blend of oil and vinegar, often referred to as “Subway vinaigrette.” This vinaigrette typically consists of a light olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a blend of Italian herbs and spices. This combination adds a tangy, zesty flavor that complements the richness of the meats and cheeses.
While a simple oil and vinegar blend is standard, some establishments, and even home cooks, may opt for a higher-quality extra virgin olive oil or infused oils for a more nuanced flavor profile. The oil is not just about adding moisture; it’s about enhancing the overall taste and aroma of the sandwich.
The Meaty Heart: Cured Meats
The heart of any Italian sub lies in its selection of cured meats. This is where the sandwich truly earns its “Italian” designation. The specific combination of meats can vary, but there are some staples you’ll commonly find, even at Subway.
Salami: Genoa salami is a classic inclusion, providing a slightly tangy, peppery flavor. Its characteristic white marbling contributes to a richer, more flavorful bite. This is a very common choice for Italian Subs.
Pepperoni: While technically an Italian-American invention, pepperoni has become a ubiquitous ingredient in many Italian subs. It adds a spicy kick and a distinctive flavor that many find irresistible. At Subway, pepperoni is a standard option for adding that spicy punch.
Ham: Prosciutto, a dry-cured ham, is a higher-end option that adds a salty, savory depth. However, it’s less common at Subway due to its cost. A more standard ham, such as a honey ham or Black Forest ham, is often used as a substitute for a similar savory element.
Capicola (or Coppa): This dry-cured pork shoulder cut, known for its spicy and slightly sweet flavor, is another desirable addition. Its robust flavor profile elevates the sandwich beyond the ordinary. However, like prosciutto, it may not always be available at chain restaurants like Subway.
These meats are typically layered generously on the bread, creating a symphony of salty, savory, and spicy flavors. The quality of the meats significantly impacts the overall taste of the sandwich. While Subway’s offerings may not be as artisanal as those found in a traditional Italian deli, they still provide a satisfying and flavorful experience.
The Cheesy Layer: Provolone and Beyond
Cheese is an integral component of the Italian sub, adding creaminess and a complementary flavor to the savory meats. Provolone is the most traditional and widely accepted cheese for an Italian sub. Its mild, slightly tangy flavor doesn’t overpower the other ingredients but adds a smooth, melting texture that binds everything together.
Provolone is an excellent choice because it melts well and has a subtle flavor that allows the other ingredients to shine. It provides the perfect balance of richness and tanginess.
While provolone is the standard, some variations might include mozzarella or even a sharper cheese like Asiago for a bolder flavor profile. However, at Subway, provolone is the most likely option you’ll encounter when ordering an Italian sub.
The Crisp and Colorful: Vegetables and Toppings
The vegetables on an Italian sub provide a crucial balance to the richness of the meats and cheeses. They add freshness, crunch, and a burst of color that elevates the sandwich from simple to sublime.
Lettuce: Shredded lettuce, usually iceberg or romaine, provides a refreshing crispness and a light, watery element that complements the other ingredients. While it doesn’t contribute much flavor, the texture is essential.
Tomato: Thinly sliced tomatoes add acidity and sweetness, balancing the saltiness of the meats. Ripe, juicy tomatoes are key to a great Italian sub.
Onions: Thinly sliced white or red onions contribute a sharp, pungent flavor that cuts through the richness of the other ingredients. Red onions offer a slightly milder, sweeter flavor compared to white onions.
Pickles: Dill pickle slices add a tangy, sour crunch that provides a contrasting flavor element. They are a very popular addition.
Banana Peppers: These mildly spicy peppers provide a subtle heat and a tangy flavor that complements the other ingredients. They’re a common addition at Subway for those who like a little kick.
Olives: Black olives or green olives add a salty, briny flavor that enhances the overall taste. They provide a Mediterranean touch.
Other Potential Toppings: Depending on the specific establishment or personal preference, other toppings might include roasted red peppers, artichoke hearts, or even a sprinkle of oregano.
At Subway, you typically have a wide selection of vegetables to choose from, allowing you to customize your Italian sub to your liking.
The Finishing Touch: Condiments and Seasonings
The final touches to an Italian sub are the condiments and seasonings that tie everything together. These elements enhance the existing flavors and add a final layer of complexity.
Oil and Vinegar: As mentioned earlier, the oil and vinegar blend is a standard addition, providing a tangy, zesty flavor. The quality of the oil and vinegar can significantly impact the overall taste.
Italian Seasoning: A sprinkle of Italian seasoning, typically a blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, and marjoram, adds an aromatic and herbaceous note. This seasoning enhances the overall Italian flavor profile.
Salt and Pepper: A simple seasoning of salt and pepper is essential for enhancing the flavors of all the ingredients.
Mustard: Yellow mustard or deli mustard can add a tangy and spicy touch. Although, this is not usually added to Italian Subs.
Some might also add mayonnaise or a garlic aioli, but these additions are less traditional and more influenced by personal preference. The goal is to complement the existing flavors, not to overpower them.
Variations and Regional Differences
While the core elements of an Italian sub remain relatively consistent, variations abound depending on regional preferences and individual tastes.
In some regions, you might find a “grinder,” which is essentially an Italian sub that is baked or toasted. This adds a warm, crispy element to the sandwich.
Other variations might include the addition of hot peppers, such as Calabrian chili peppers, for a spicier kick. Some might also add a layer of giardiniera, a pickled vegetable relish, for a tangy and crunchy element.
In New Orleans, the muffuletta is a popular variation of the Italian sub, featuring a unique olive salad that is spread on the bread.
At Subway, the Italian B.M.T. is a popular interpretation of the Italian sub, featuring a combination of Genoa salami, pepperoni, and ham. While it may not be a traditional Italian sub in the strictest sense, it captures the essence of the sandwich with its combination of cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
The Art of the Italian Sub: Balancing Flavors and Textures
Creating a truly exceptional Italian sub is an art form that involves balancing flavors and textures. The salty meats should be complemented by the creamy cheese, the tangy oil and vinegar, and the crisp vegetables. Each ingredient should play a role in creating a harmonious and satisfying culinary experience.
The key is to use high-quality ingredients and to layer them in a way that maximizes their individual flavors. The bread should be sturdy enough to hold the fillings without becoming soggy, and the oil and vinegar should be applied judiciously to avoid making the sandwich too wet.
The ideal Italian sub is a symphony of flavors and textures that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves you wanting more. It’s a sandwich that is both satisfying and refreshing, hearty and flavorful. It is no wonder that the Italian sub remains a beloved classic around the world. It is also important to consume it as fresh as possible to experience the optimal balance of flavor and texture, particularly the crispness of the vegetables and the freshness of the bread.
What are the core ingredients that define an Italian sub at Subway?
Subway’s interpretation of the “Italian” sub typically includes a combination of cured meats, cheeses, and vegetables on a long roll. The most common meats are salami, pepperoni, and ham, often featuring a blend of spicy and savory flavors. Provolone cheese is a staple, adding a mild, slightly tangy creaminess that complements the meats.
Beyond the foundational elements, Subway’s Italian sub also incorporates lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and a vinegar-based dressing or oil and vinegar blend. While these additions provide freshness and acidity, the specific type of lettuce and the ratio of vegetables can vary regionally or depending on individual preference, influencing the overall taste profile.
How does Subway’s Italian sub compare to a traditional Italian sub in Italy?
Subway’s Italian sub is an Americanized adaptation, bearing little resemblance to sandwiches found in Italy. Authentic Italian subs, often called “panini imbottiti,” prioritize high-quality, locally sourced ingredients like prosciutto, mortadella, and various regional cheeses. The bread is typically crusty and artisanal, far removed from Subway’s softer, mass-produced rolls.
Furthermore, traditional Italian subs tend to be simpler in their composition. They often feature fewer ingredients, allowing the quality of each component to shine through. Condiments are used sparingly, if at all, to avoid masking the natural flavors of the cured meats and cheeses, a stark contrast to Subway’s customizable and often heavily sauced approach.
What types of cured meats are commonly found in a Subway Italian sub?
The precise selection of cured meats in a Subway Italian sub can vary, but certain staples are consistently present. Salami, typically Genoa or a similar variety, provides a slightly fermented, tangy flavor. Pepperoni, known for its spicy kick, adds heat and a characteristic red hue to the sandwich.
Ham, usually a pre-cooked and sliced variety, offers a milder, slightly sweet counterpoint to the more intense flavors of the salami and pepperoni. While these three are most common, some locations might occasionally include other meats like capicola or mortadella, although this is less frequent due to supply chain constraints and cost considerations.
What role does provolone cheese play in the overall taste of Subway’s Italian sub?
Provolone cheese is a crucial component, contributing significantly to the flavor and texture of the Subway Italian sub. Its mild, slightly tangy flavor balances the saltiness and spiciness of the cured meats, creating a more harmonious overall taste profile. The creamy texture of the provolone also adds a pleasant mouthfeel, contrasting with the crisper vegetables.
Furthermore, the melting properties of provolone, particularly when the sub is toasted, enhance the sensory experience. The slightly melted cheese creates a cohesive bond between the ingredients, preventing them from sliding around and intensifying the flavors as they meld together. This adds a layer of richness and satisfaction to the sandwich.
Can you customize the Subway Italian sub, and how does this affect its “Italian-ness”?
Customization is a key feature of Subway’s business model, and the Italian sub is no exception. Customers can select their bread, add or remove vegetables, and choose from a wide array of sauces and condiments. This level of personalization allows for a highly tailored sandwich experience.
However, excessive customization can significantly deviate from the intended flavor profile of a traditional Italian sub. Adding ingredients like sweet onion sauce or opting for a non-Italian bread can dilute or even completely mask the core Italian flavors. While customization offers flexibility, it also diminishes the sandwich’s authenticity.
What are some regional variations of the Italian sub, and how do they differ from Subway’s version?
Regional variations of the Italian sub are abundant, reflecting the diverse culinary traditions of different areas. For example, a New York-style Italian sub might feature soppressata, a dry-cured salami with a coarser texture, and sharper provolone. It could also include roasted red peppers and a generous dousing of oil and vinegar.
Philadelphia’s “hoagie” version often incorporates pickles or hot peppers, adding a briny or spicy element not typically found in Subway’s standard offering. New Orleans’ “muffuletta” is another distinct variation, featuring a unique olive salad that contributes a salty, tangy, and intensely flavorful dimension. These regional styles showcase a commitment to local ingredients and time-honored recipes, setting them apart from Subway’s more standardized approach.
Is Subway’s Italian B.M.T. the same as their Italian sub, and what does B.M.T. stand for?
The Subway Italian B.M.T. is indeed a variation of their Italian sub, but with notable differences. The “B.M.T.” stands for Biggest, Meatiest, Tastiest, reflecting its increased portion sizes and the generous amount of meat it contains compared to the standard Italian sub.
While the core ingredients of salami, pepperoni, and ham remain the same, the Italian B.M.T. boasts larger portions of each, resulting in a more substantial and flavorful sandwich. This makes it a popular choice for those seeking a heartier meal, though the fundamental character remains rooted in the Italian sub’s core components.