Marinated Artichokes + Pepperoncini Recipes - Fresh Italian Sandwich

Artichokes were always something I avoid for the longest time. But once I finally realized the amazing taste and texture of marinated artichokes, I’ve been trying to come up with original recipes that mix them with other ingredients. Here’s a simple sandwich recipe that takes just minutes to make. It uses marinated artichokes and pepperoncini peppers.

Marinated artichokes can be found in most large groceries, particularly in Italian markets.

Pepperoncini peppers are Greek, but the name sounds Italian. (So this isn’t a true Italian sandwich - hey, so I’m not Italian If I’m not mistaken, these are the sport peppers that are served with Chicago-style hot dogs. (Hey, so I’m not Chicagoan.) They’re mildly hot for a matter of seconds, and then the heat disappears. They tease your tastebuds. No afterburn. With the exception of the vinegar + salt brine taste, the peppers are slightly sweet. So even people otherwise intolerant of spicy food love them. (It’s the aferburn of spicy food that many people cannot stand.)

Instructions:

• Slice a wide Italian bun lengthwise without splitting it apart. Spread wide enough to assemble the sandwich.
• Layer thinly sliced tomatoes across the bottom half of the bun.
• Lightly salt + pepper the tomato slices, to taste.
• Layer Italian sliced meats on the bun. I actually tend to mix Italian cold cuts such as sliced hot capicolla or mortadella with thick Hungarian salami slices, or Farmer’s Sausage slices, and maybe a large slice of not-too-salty ham or turkey. The combination builds a rich taste.
• Layer marinated artichoke pieces, breaking them apart if necessary to not be too lumpy.
• Add a few pepperoncini peppers, torn into bits, stem removed.
• Add a few green leafy items, such as spinach, lettuce, arugula, etc. Or even use chopped salad mix (the kind with finely julienned carrots and nothing too lumpy).
• Cut the sandwich half and serve with vegetable soup and/or corn chips.

Enjoy. By the way, this can easily be a vegetarian sandwich. Substitute veg cold cuts, add sprouts. It’s the marinated artichokes and the pepperoncini that form a unique taste combination that you want to highlight.

I’ll add another artichoke/ pepperoncini recipe later in the week.