🥪 The Artichoke and Basil Hero Sandwich 🥪
History:
The hero sandwich, also known as a sub, hoagie, or grinder, has a long history that dates back to the early 20th century in the United States. It’s believed to have been popularized by Italian immigrants, who used long rolls of bread to create a hearty and filling sandwich. The specific combination of artichoke and basil in a hero sandwich is a more modern twist, likely influenced by Mediterranean flavors.
Components:
- 1 long hero or sub roll
- 1 cup marinated artichoke hearts, drained and sliced
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
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Slice the hero roll in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom. If it’s too long, you can cut it to your desired size.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, and pepper to make a simple dressing.
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Brush the cut sides of the hero roll with the dressing.
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Place the bottom half of the hero roll on a baking sheet and layer the marinated artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, roasted red peppers, and fresh basil leaves on it.
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Place the top half of the roll over the fillings to create a sandwich.
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Wrap the entire sandwich in aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sandwich is heated through.
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Remove the sandwich from the oven and let it cool for a minute or two.
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Unwrap the foil, cut the sandwich into individual portions, and serve it warm.
Time Needed:
- Preparation: 15-20 minutes
- Baking: 10-15 minutes
So, in about 30-40 minutes, you can have a delicious Artichoke and Basil Hero Sandwich ready to enjoy! 🥪😋
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for the Artichoke and Basil Hero Sandwich:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate per serving):
- Calories: 400-450
- Total Fat: 16-18g
- Saturated Fat: 5-6g
- Cholesterol: 20-25mg
- Sodium: 800-900mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Dietary Fiber: 4-5g
- Sugars: 4-6g
- Protein: 15-17g
Health Information:
- Artichokes are a good source of dietary fiber, which can aid digestion and help with weight management.
- Basil is rich in antioxidants, including vitamins A and C, which can support overall health.
- Olive oil used in the dressing provides healthy monounsaturated fats and can be beneficial for heart health.
- The vegetables in this sandwich (artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers) are packed with vitamins and minerals, contributing to a nutritious meal.
- The use of whole-grain hero rolls can increase the fiber content and provide sustained energy.
- Mozzarella cheese is a source of calcium and protein, but be mindful of portion sizes to control saturated fat intake.
- Balsamic vinegar is low in calories and can add flavor without excessive sugar or unhealthy fats.
As with any meal, moderation is key. This sandwich can be a nutritious choice when balanced with other foods throughout the day. Adjusting portion sizes and ingredients can also help meet specific dietary preferences or restrictions. Enjoy this delicious sandwich in a balanced diet for a tasty and satisfying meal. 🥪🥗🥦
