The New York Italian Deli Brandywine is a well-known sandwich found in delis across the city, famous for its combination of hearty meats, cheeses, and a flavorful dressing. While there are different variations, the typical Brandywine sandwich features a savory blend of cold cuts, Italian dressing, and crunchy bread.
Here’s a homemade version of the New York Italian Deli Brandywine that you can recreate with a few key ingredients:
New York Italian Deli Brandywine Sandwich
Ingredients:
- 1 large Italian hoagie roll (or sub roll)
- 4-5 slices of salami (preferably Genoa or Soppressata)
- 4-5 slices of capicola (or ham if preferred)
- 4-5 slices of provolone cheese
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers (or fresh bell peppers, thinly sliced)
- 1/4 cup pepperoncini (or banana peppers), sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Lettuce, shredded (romaine or iceberg)
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling)
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (optional, for extra tang)
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano (or Italian seasoning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh basil leaves (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Sandwich Roll:
- Slice the Italian hoagie roll lengthwise. You can hollow out a little of the soft interior bread if you prefer more room for fillings or to make the sandwich less bulky.
2. Layer the Meats and Cheese:
- On the bottom half of the roll, layer the salami, capicola, and provolone cheese. This is the heart of the sandwich, so you can layer generously for extra flavor.
3. Add the Vegetables:
- Place the roasted red peppers, pepperoncini slices, and red onion on top of the meats. Add as much or as little as you prefer depending on your taste.
4. Dress the Sandwich:
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar (if using), oregano, salt, and pepper. Whisk together to make a quick dressing.
- Drizzle the dressing evenly over the veggies and meats.
5. Add Lettuce and Basil (Optional):
- Add a generous handful of shredded lettuce on top of the vegetables for crunch. You can also garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for an extra pop of flavor.
6. Close the Sandwich:
- Place the top half of the hoagie roll over the fillings and press gently to help compact the sandwich.
7. Serve:
- Slice the sandwich into halves or thirds, depending on your preference. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Optional Variations:
- Meat Choices: You can mix up the deli meats by adding mortadella, turkey, or bologna if you like.
- Add More Cheese: Use mozzarella or asiago in addition to provolone for a creamier texture.
- Spicy Kick: Add some hot giardiniera or extra pepperoncini for a spicier flavor.
- Toasted Version: If you like your sandwich toasted, you can place the sandwich under a broiler for a few minutes to melt the cheese and warm the bread.
This New York Italian Deli Brandywine sandwich is a true deli classic, packed with flavor and perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner. Enjoy making this delicious sandwich at home!