Hot Italian Recipe
Make Hot Italian Recipe in just 20m. Get the full recipe with step-by-step instructions at pekinthechef.com.
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Ingredients
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Sandwich Filling
Bread & Spread
Finish / Optional
Method
Prep
- 1
Slice and prep vegetables
Wash and dry the romas tomato and lettuce. Thinly slice the tomato into 1/8-1/4-inch rounds. Shred or finely chop the iceberg lettuce. Slice the pepperoncini lengthwise and drain any seeds. Drain and slice the roasted red peppers if not pre-sliced.
- 2
Split the ciabatta roll horizontally and scoop out a small amount of crumb if the interior is very soft (optional) to reduce sogginess.
Make the Spicy Dressing
- 3
Combine dressing ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, spicy mustard, extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, crushed red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper until smooth and slightly emulsified. Taste and adjust heat by adding more red pepper flakes or mustard if desired.
Assemble & Toast
- 4
Spread and layer
Spread the spicy dressing evenly on both cut sides of the ciabatta roll (about 1 tablespoon total). If using butter for a toasted finish, spread softened butter lightly on the outside of the top and bottom bread halves and sprinkle the exposed buttered side with dried oregano.
- 5
On the bottom half of the roll, layer the meats: place the Italian spicy salami in an even overlapping layer, followed by the capicola and then Genoa salami. Top the meats with the provolone slices so the cheese covers most of the meat layer.
- 6
Add roasted red peppers and sliced pepperoncini across the cheese, then place tomato slices and shredded lettuce on top. Tuck fresh basil leaves in if using.
- 7
Toast (optional but recommended)
Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat. Place the assembled sandwich in the skillet, buttered side down on the exterior, and press gently with a spatula or a heavy pan. Toast for 2-3 minutes until the bread is golden and the cheese begins to soften. Flip and toast the other side 1-2 minutes, or place under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until cheese is melty. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Finish & Serve
- 8
Remove from heat, let the sandwich rest for 1 minute, then slice in half on a diagonal. Serve immediately while warm so the cheese is soft and the flavors meld.
- 9
Optional: serve with extra pepperoncini on the side, potato chips, or a dill pickle.
