Sandwiches take on different forms depending on where you are in the world. I've listed the following from different cultures: American subs, Italian paninis, Cuban sandwiches and Greek gyros. Recipes follow each description.
The Submarine
America
Also known as a sub, hero and hoagie, a submarine sandwich is a made on a long roll and filled with different meats and cheeses.
Recipes
- Meatball Sub - FoodNetwork.com, Rachel Ray
- The hero to beat all heroes,"Muffuletta" - Saveur Magazine, Issue 108
- Steak and Cheese Hoagies - FoodNetwork.com, Sandra Lee
The Panini
Italy
Paninis originated in Italy, but have spread to other countries. Technically speaking, one sandwich is actually a "panino," but the word panini has become accepted in America. They are grill-pressed sandwiches, with any combination of cheese, meat and/or vegetable.
Recipes
- Prosciutto, Mozzarella, Tomato and Basil Panini - Bon Appetit, Aug. 2003
- Grilled Vegetable Panini - FoodNetwork.com, Giada De Laurentiis
- Chocolate-Raspberry Panini with Mascarpone - Bon Appetit, July 2010
The Cuban Sandwich
Cuba
The Cuban sandwich is made of ham, roasted pork, mustard, pickles, Swiss cheese and (sometimes) butter on toasted Cuban bread. Although it's been disputed, many agree that it originated in Miami.
The secret to a Cuban sandwich is the bread. Cuban bread, which gets stale after about a day, is made with lard. A variation on the Cuban sandwich is the media noche (midnight) which is made on a sweet bread.
Recipes
- "Cubano" - Saveur Magazine, April 2011, Issue 137
- Cuban Sandwich - Three Guys from Miami
- Media Noche - Allrecipes.com
- Cuban Sandwiches with Tomato Jam - Food & Wine Magazine, Dec. 2009
The Gyro and Souvlaki
Greece
Both the gyro and souvlaki are Greek "sandwiches" made with pita bread.
Gyros are typically made with lamb, tzatziki sauce, onion, tomato and lettuce. Depending on who makes it, the meat may be a mix of skewered beef, pork and lamb. Souvlaki is grilled meat, usually pork or chicken, on a skewer. It can be wrapped in pita with tzatziki sauce and vegetables, or served on its own with Greek-style potatoes or rice.
Recipes
- Pork Gyros - Bon Appetit, June 2006
- Gyro meat with tzatziki sauce - FoodNetwork.com, Alton Brown
- Tzatziki sauce - Allrecipes.com