Meatball Sub Delight

This fresh Meatball Sub Delight is the heavenly combination of savory and smoky flavors! The juicy Italian-style meatballs are smothered with homemade marinara sauce, complemented with flavorful layers of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, and topped with optional slices of Prosciutto. All of these heavenly components come together in one scrumptious sandwich that can be paired with an equally flavorful beer, such as a Porter or a Russian Imperial Stout. Enjoy!

Meatball Sub Delight

This fresh Meatball Sub Delight is the heavenly combination of savory and smoky flavors! The juicy Italian-style meatballs are smothered with homemade marinara sauce, complemented with flavorful layers of Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, and topped with optional slices of Prosciutto. All of these heavenly components come together in one scrumptious sandwich that can be paired with an equally flavorful beer, such as a Porter or a Russian Imperial Stout. Enjoy!


Sandwich Prep

Robo-Prep!

Meatball Sub Delight!
Ingredients:
– 4 Italian-style (beef and pork) Meatballs
– 1 tablespoons of olive oil
– 8 ounces of marinara sauce
– 2 cloves of garlic
– 1 teaspoon of oregano
– 1 teaspoon of thyme
– 4 sub (or hoagie) buns
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella
– 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese
– Optional: 4 slices of prosciutto

Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Place the meatballs in a pan and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Bake the meatballs in the oven for 20 minutes or until they are cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, to make the marinara sauce, mince the garlic, add it to a saucepan, then add 8 ounces of marinara sauce, 1 teaspoon of oregano, and 1 teaspoon of thyme. Cook the sauce for about 5 minutes.
4. Slice 4 sub (or hoagie) buns in half. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the sub buns on it, split-side up.
5. Place the cooked meatballs in the marinara sauce and stir to make sure all the meatballs are covered with the sauce.
6. Divide the meatballs and sauce evenly among the sub buns.
7. Sprinkle 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese on top of the meatballs and sauce.
8. Optional – Place 4 slices of Prosciutto on top of the cheese.
9. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the buns are lightly toasted.
10. Serve and Enjoy!

Nutrition:
835 calories, 41.5g fat, 15g saturated fat, 75mg cholesterol, 3288mg sodium, 62g carbohydrates, 5g fiber, 13g sugar, 37g protein

Beer Pairing: The smokiness of a Porter or a robust Russian Imperial Stout would pair nicely with this warm, cheesy, and savory sandwich.

History of Meatball Sub Delight

The Meatball Sub Delight is a classic sandwich that originated in the Italian-American community of New York in the mid 1970s. The sandwich was popularized by Italian boxers from New York who had been exposed to the sandwich during their travels to Italy. In Italy, the sandwich was known as “Una Pagnotta”, which translates to “The Big Bread”. Long slices of bread would be filled with layer of different meats and cheeses including mortadella, salami, provolone, bell peppers, and a variety of condiments.

The traditional Meatball Sub Delight was introduced to New York in the mid 70s. It was created by different restaurateurs who started publishing their own versions of the sandwich. These versions used Italian meatballs as the main ingredient, although various other ingredients were also added. The sandwich quickly gained popularity among the New York Italians, and soon began spreading across the country.

Popularity of Meatball Sub Delight

Today, the Meatball Sub Delight is a popular item on Italian and Italian-American restaurants. It is sometimes described as one of the original Italian culinary masterpieces. The sandwich comes with a base of sides such as fries and coleslaw, as well as a variety of condiments. Restaurants typically offer variations of the sandwich, ranging from simple Italian meatballs to ones that have been stuffed with ingredients such as salami and provolone.

The sandwich is especially popular in cities with large Italian populations, such as New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and Boston. It is also popular in the UK, where it is sometimes referred to as a “special sandwich”.

Substitutions for Meatball Sub Delight

The traditional version of the Meatball Sub Delight is typically made with white bread and Italian meatballs. However, there are many substitutions that can be made to address dietary restrictions. For those with gluten allergies, a gluten-free bread can be used as a substitute. Also, common gluten-containing ingredients such as bread crumbs can be omitted from the meatball recipe itself.

Additionally, veggie meatballs, which are plant-based, can also be used as a substitute for Italian meatballs. These veggie meatballs are becoming increasingly popular, as they are becoming more widely available in restaurants and grocery stores.

Interesting Facts About the Meatball Sub Delight

Meatball Sub Delight is highly appreciated by the New York Italians who honor their traditions. This culinary masterpiece is often served as a specialty at Italian-American festivals. The sandwiches are also featured across various national television networks and popular food trends.

Today, it is estimated that the US food industry generates over a billion dollars a year in sales from the classic Meatball Sub Delight and its variations. The sandwich is beloved by many, not just by Italians, but by people all over the world.

Conclusion

The classic Meatball Sub Delight is a classic Italian-American sandwich that has become popular all around the world. With a variety of substitutions and adjustments, anyone can enjoy this sandwich. Thanks to its classic flavor and ample substitutions, the sandwich is widely appreciated by people from all cultures and backgrounds.

Sources
Meatball Sub Delight
Submarine Sandwich