ACROSS CULTURES HISTORY HOW-TO IN POP CULTURE

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

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

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

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

© Katherine Kallergis 2013