Hot Sicilian Sandwich (8") Recipe

Cook aromatics and brown beef

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add 1 teaspoon minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 5–6 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Simmer sauce

Stir in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and cook 1 minute. Add 1/2 cup crushed tomatoes, 2 tablespoons water or beef stock, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/4 teaspoon dried basil, 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes and 1/4 teaspoon sugar. Bring to a low simmer, reduce heat and cook gently 6–8 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning. Keep warm.

If using mushrooms instead of cured meats: heat a small nonstick skillet over medium-high heat with 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add 1/2 cup sliced mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Sauté until browned and any liquid has evaporated, about 4–5 minutes. Set aside.

Prepare the bread

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Split the 8-inch Italian loaf lengthwise and place cut sides up on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. Mix 1 tablespoon softened butter with 1 teaspoon minced garlic and spread evenly on the cut faces of the bread.

Assemble sandwich

Spoon the warm meat sauce evenly over the bottom half of the loaf, leaving a small border at the edges to avoid sogginess (about half the sauce). Layer your chosen filling (3 oz salami or 3 oz pepperoni arranged slightly overlapping, or the 1/2 cup sautéed mushrooms) over the sauce. Arrange 3 oz sliced provolone over the filling to cover the sandwich. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon grated Parmesan over the provolone. If using, tuck fresh basil leaves on top of the cheese before baking.

Bake and finish

Place the assembled open-faced sandwich in the preheated oven and bake 8–10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges of the bread are crisp. If you prefer a browned top, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes while watching carefully to prevent burning. Remove from oven, close the sandwich by placing the top loaf half over the fillings, press lightly, slice into 2–3 portions, and serve immediately.