Healthy Italian Vegetable Hoagies for a Delicious Lunch
Friends, I come to you today with a recipe that promises to excite your taste buds like never before. If you are a lover of traditional Italian subs or veggie Italian hoagies, then you are going to fall in love with our Italian Vegetable Hoagies recipe. This sandwich packs punch artichoke hearts, red onion zesty flavor, and is full of hearty vegetables.
The burst in flavors from the vegetarian sandwich would make it hard for you to tell the difference between a traditional Italian sub and this Italian vegetable hoagie sandwich. Our recipe takes in various ingredients of the classic Italian antipasto sandwich and combines them to create one of the most delightfully easy and mouth-watering submarine sandwiches.
Made from scratch, these healthy, easy-to-make vegetarian hoagies sandwiches are perfect for those busy weeknights or weekend parties. The ingredients include fresh romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, roasted red bell peppers, artichoke hearts, and provolone cheese all piled onto a crispy baguette.
This recipe is a treasure trove of tastes and textures! So why not give it a try? You will be happy for doing so.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious, healthy sandwich recipe that packs a punch of flavor? Look no further than my Italian Vegetable Hoagies. These vegetarian hoagie sandwiches are the perfect combination of roasted vegetables, tangy cheese, and zesty Italian seasonings.
But what sets these hoagies apart is their versatility. They can be made with traditional Italian subs featuring meat or as a veggie Italian hoagie. The roasted vegetable and grilled veggie versions are perfect for anyone who wants to skip the cold cuts or bread.
Packed with refreshing romaine lettuce, juicy tomatoes, savory artichoke hearts finely chopped giardiniera, sliced red onion zesty original oil vinegar dressing and creamy provolone cheese on a toasted baguette, these hoagies are sure to satisfy any appetite. And unlike many other sandwich recipes out there, they’re easy to make – just combine the ingredients and you’re ready to go!
So whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for a quick and healthy meal, these Italian Vegetable Hoagies are the perfect choice. Trust me, once you take a bite out of one of these delightfully easy sandwiches, you’ll keep coming back for more.
Ingredient List
The Ingredients You Will Need
Before diving into the recipe, gather all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 baguette or hoagie rolls (this recipe makes 4 sandwiches)
- 4 slices of provolone cheese or vegan alternative
- 2 cups of romaine lettuce, shredded
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1/2 cup of artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup pitted kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/2 a red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additionally, this sandwich packs a punch with some Italian-inspired condiments that you might not typically have in your pantry. You will need:
- 1/2 cup drained jarred giardiniera, finely chopped. Giardiniera is an Italian relish made of pickled vegetables.
- The bottom half of a loaf of Italian bread. Any hearty bread will work but using Italian bread adds some traditional flavor to your sandwich.
- A drizzle of red wine vinaigrette dressing made by whisking together 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil and 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar.
Now that you have everything you need at hand, let’s get started on making these delicious and healthy hoagies!
The Recipe How-To
Preparing the Vegetables
- Preheat oven to 425°F.
- Cut 1 medium red onion and 1 red bell pepper into thin strips.
- Drain and chop ¼ cup jarred giardiniera, plus 2 cups pitted and halved artichoke hearts.
- Rinse and slice 2 ripe tomatoes.
- Place the sliced vegetables in a large sheet pan, drizzle with 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, and season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Toss everything together to combine.
- Roast the vegetables until they are tender and lightly charred, stirring occasionally for around 15-20 minutes.
Assembling the Sandwiches
- Slice a baguette or some hoagie rolls in halves, toast them until they are golden and crispy.
- Layer on some provolone cheese slices, then add in the roasted vegetables you have prepared earlier.
- Next, add a layer of shredded romaine lettuce, followed by sliced artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and giardiniera mixture.
- Drizzle with some more extra virgin olive oil or oil and vinegar, or even red wine vinegar, for extra flavor to your sandwich, top with the other half of bread or rolls.
- Serve your masterpiece Italian vegetable hoagies as is or along with some chips or fresh salads to make it a complete meal.
This delicious veggie Italian sandwich packs punchy flavors from roasted veggies mixed with salty provolone cheese while maintaining an overall healthy vibe for your taste buds.
Substitutions and Variations
Looking to mix things up with your Italian Vegetable Hoagies? There are plenty of substitutions and variations that you can make in this recipe to create a sandwich that’s perfectly suited to your preferences.
For a vegan version, simply omit the provolone cheese or substitute it with a vegan cheese of your choice. You could also try using hummus, avocado or a bean-based spread as a cheese alternative for extra creaminess.
If you’re not a fan of baguette bread, try using hoagie rolls for a more traditional submarine sandwich feel. You can also use whole wheat bread or sourdough for an even healthier option.
For a roasted vegetable variation, try roasting vegetables such as eggplant, zucchini, red peppers and onions in the oven until slightly crispy before adding them to the sandwich. This will give it a different texture that is still delightful!
For those who love their sandwiches with some cold cuts in it, replace the veggies in the recipe with some Italian cold cuts like Genoa salami or mortadella. Add oil and vinegar dressing and mild cheese for an authentic-tasting Italian sub perfect for lunch on the go.
Another variation of this recipe is the grilled veggie hoagie which includes sliced portobello mushrooms marinated in balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, garlic and dried oregano grillled until tender along with red bell pepper strips and onions. Combine these veggies together with mozzarella cheese on your hoagie roll and enjoy.
A final variation to consider is the Italian antipasto sandwich which features cured meats such as salami and pepperoni topped with cheeses like fresh mozzarella balls along with olives, marinated artichokes and giardiniera. The ingredients in this version are more pickled than vegetable-centered but it will surely still offer bright flavours that will tickle your tastebuds.
By playing around with different ingredients in this recipe, you’re sure to find a variation that perfectly satisfies your cravings.
Serving and Pairing
Once you have prepared these mouth-watering Italian Vegetable Hoagies, it’s time to decide how to serve them. These hoagie sandwiches can make a perfect meal on their own or can be paired with a salad or soup for a more substantial feast.
A crisp romaine lettuce salad with cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumbers, and a zesty dressing make an excellent companion to these hearty vegetable hoagies. The freshness of the salad will elevate the flavors of the sandwiches and refresh your palate.
If you prefer soups, a tomato soup or minestrone will complement the rich Italian flavors of these veggie hoagies exceptionally well. With artichoke hearts, red onion, and red bell pepper, these sandwiches have a lot of savory flavors that balance well with the acidic tomato base of the soup.
For a casual party or gathering, you can also cut these sandwiches into smaller pieces and serve them as appetizers. These mini veggie Italian hoagies are sure to delight guests are naturally healthy sandwich options compared to traditional Italian subs that feature meat.
To complete the meal, you can pair these sandwiches with pita chips or roasted vegetable crisps for some added crunch. Add some olives or pickles on the side for that extra zip in flavor.
Suitable drinks to go alongside this sandwich include red wine, iced tea, or sparkling water with lime. The wine’s acidity complements the sandwich’s tomatoes and vinegar-based dressing perfectly while lifting the sandwich’s overall taste profile.
So there you have it – a simple recipe for vegetarian hoagie sandwiches that packs a punch in flavor! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different serving ideas; this versatile sandwich recipe allows for plenty of creative liberty while retaining its core Italian flavorings.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Preparing ahead is a great way to save on valuable time when planning meals. Luckily, Italian Vegetable Hoagies lend themselves well to make-ahead preparation. The sandwich can be fully assembled and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before it is needed. The sandwich has all the components of a classic Italian sub, but with an abundance of vegetables instead of meat.
Storing these sandwiches is also not a problem as they have a prolonged shelf life given the right storage conditions. Once wrapped tightly in plastic or foil, hoagies can stay fresh for up to five days if stored in the refrigerator. That said, homemade hoagies are always best when consumed fresh, preferably within the first two days after purchasing or baking.
For reheating, I would advise against microwaving these sandwiches as this may cause vegetables and bread to become soggy or rubbery. Instead, you can heat them up in your oven or toaster oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes until they are warm and toasted.
It is worth noting that some ingredients such as lettuce and tomatoes do not reheat well and will likely become wilted and lose their crispy texture upon reheating. So if you are going to reheat your sandwich, add these ingredients right before serving so they maintain their freshness and texture.
To summarize, preparing Italian Vegetable Hoagies beforehand saves time and allows easy access to healthy sandwiches throughout the week. With proper storage and reheating techniques, you can enjoy this delightfully easy sandwich anytime!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure that your Italian vegetable hoagies come out perfectly, keep in mind the following tips:
First, when it comes to the cheese, be sure to slice your provolone as thin as you can for an even melt. Alternatively, shredded cheese is another great option if slicing isn’t your forte.
Next, take your time when roasting the vegetables to get them just right. I recommend using a high temperature of 425°F and turning them over halfway through cooking for even browning. Keep a close eye on them and remove them from the oven when they are tender and caramelized.
Additionally, don’t skip the step of draining the jarred giardiniera before adding it to your sandwich. This helps prevent your bread from getting soggy and ensures a clean taste.
When assembling your hoagies, layering is key! Start with a layer of roasted red bell pepper or artichoke hearts on the bottom half of the baguette, followed by thinly sliced red onion, romaine lettuce, and fresh tomatoes. Add a pinch of dried oregano and drizzle with olive oil and red wine vinegar before topping off with provolone cheese.
Finally, be sure to use fresh bread for maximum flavor and avoid any off-putting tastes caused by stale or moldy bread. In addition, if you’re making sandwiches for more than one person, consider making mini veggie Italian hoagies instead of full-sized sandwiches – they’re just as tasty and easier to eat!
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to creating delicious vegetarian hoagie sandwiches that pack a punch of Italian flavor in every bite.
FAQ
Now that you have all the information on this Italian Vegetable Hoagies (Vegetarian Hoagie Sandwiches) Recipe, let’s move to the questions our readers had. Here are some of the most common FAQ regarding this recipe that will surely help you complete the process with ease and confidence.
What is the difference between a regular hoagie and an Italian hoagie?
A submarine sandwich that bears resemblance to the Italian sub is the American sub sandwich or hoagie, also known as a hero sandwich. The American variation places emphasis on using deli meats and cheeses that hail from America, in contrast to the Italian sub which features cured ham and cheese imported from Italy.
What does an Italian hoagie contain?
In this recipe, we’ll be making an Italian-style sandwich filled with a variety of delicious cured meats such as salami, prosciutto, mortadella, ham, and capicola. Topped with provolone cheese and served on rolls, this sandwich goes by many names including hero, sub, grinder, and sandwich. Get ready to indulge in a tasty combination of savory meats and cheese.
What condiments go on an Italian hoagie?
Let’s finish off your sub by adding some zingy condiments. Start by layering on the lettuce/oil/vinegar mixture, cherry peppers, onions, and tomatoes, making sure to avoid stacking the tomatoes on top of the cheese to prevent a slippery slide. Now, it’s time to give the bread some love – drizzle on a generous amount of oil and vinegar to really make the flavors pop.
How do you assemble an Italian hoagie?
Let’s build the perfect Italian Hoagie together! Start by covering your bread with a nice even layer of your favorite cheese. Then, layer your favorite vegan deli meats over the cheese to create an even distribution. Next, add a handful of fresh lettuce, onions, colorful peppers, and tangy pepperoncinis. Before you finish, give it a dash of salt, pepper, and herbs – this will enhance the flavors of your toppings beautifully. Lastly, add a light drizzle of red wine vinegar to bring everything together nicely.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, it’s clear that Italian Vegetable Hoagies are a perfect option for anyone looking to indulge in delicious, hearty and healthy sandwiches full of veggies! Moreover, this recipe is versatile and you can easily adapt it to your preferences by substituting or adding ingredients. Not only is this sandwich recipe easy to make and store, but it also packs a punch in terms of taste and nutritional value.
So whether you’re looking for a traditional vegetarian Italian sub, grilled veggies or roasted vegetable submarine sandwiches, these hoagies have got you covered. This delightfully easy and healthy sandwich recipe is sure to satisfy all your cravings while keeping you on track with your health goals.
So what are you waiting for? Head to the kitchen, grab some fresh veggies, hoagie rolls, cheese, and bread and start making these amazing Italian Vegetable Hoagies today! You don’t want to miss out on this incredible flavor experience that is both nutritious and delicious!
Italian Vegetable Hoagies (Vegetarian Hoagie Sandwiches) Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion, separated into rings
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, rinsed and coarsely chopped
- 1 medium tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 inch 16-to 20-inch-long baguette, preferably whole-grain
- 2 slices provolone cheese, halved (about 2 ounces)
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- 1/4 cup sliced pepperoncini pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Place onion rings in a small bowl and add cold water to cover. Set aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
- Combine artichoke hearts, tomato, vinegar, oil and oregano in a medium bowl. Cut baguette into 4 equal lengths. Split each piece horizontally and pull out about half of the soft bread from each side. Drain the onions and pat dry.
- To assemble sandwiches, divide provolone among the bottom pieces of baguette. Spread on the artichoke mixture and top with the onion, lettuce and pepperoncini, if using. Cover with the baguette tops. Serve immediately.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Jolo is a talented chef and food blogger with a passion for vegan and Caribbean flavors. From savory vegetarian dishes to tropical smoothies, Jolo’s Kitchen has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for meat-free meals or creative Caribbean recipes, Jolo’s Kitchen is the perfect place for you.