E-Z Elevated Sub Sandwiches

Let’s face it – some days you just don’t want to cook, but you don’t feel like going out either. Sub sandwiches (or hoagies for those of you in the north) can be hassle-free, delicious and even healthy. It’s easy to Free-Style a sub by making it to your own personal taste. Below are ideas to get you started.

FOR FAMILIES: Let family/friends build their own sub. Lay out an array of some of the suggested items below. Be sure to include at least two choices of dressing and maybe even two sub roll choices.

ELEVATING THE BASIC SUB: There are plenty of condiments and veggies to load up on. Here are “some” suggestions (you can probably come up with a few more on your own):

– Substitute fresh baby spinach or spring mixed greens instead of traditional iceberg lettuce. There’s no right or wrong dressing for your sub. It’s truly limitless. Use your favorite bottled sub dressing or try salad dressing such as ranch, garden vegetable or a simple balsamic vinaigrette. OR: maybe you want to try an Italian or Blue Cheese.

– Seasoning is up to you (or none at all): a shake or two of black pepper and oregano can give it a boost.

– The meat choice is up to you (including tuna salad or no meat at all), but be sure to pile on plenty of your favorite veggies and condiments such as:

– Cucumbers, tomatoes, black olives, avocado, thinly sliced green pepper, jarred roasted red pepper, pickles, red onion, pickled onion or sweet onion, jarred banana pepper rings (hot or mild), fresh spinach or mixed baby greens, jarred mild or sweet jalapeno peppers.

SPINACH LOVERS SUB: Use turkey deli meat, add a lot of fresh baby spinach, fresh sliced mushrooms, black olives, several slices of crisp cooked bacon (can be turkey bacon). Add cheese such as: crumbled feta or goat cheese, shaved Parmesan or slices of mozzarella cheese. Optional: Onions red, pickled or sweet. Top with your favorite spinach salad dressing or Italian dressing. It’s a spinach salad in a sub bun!

FOR A HEALTHIER SUB:

– instead of processed deli meat, use deli meat that is minimally processed and made with natural ingredients or use leftover cooked turkey or chicken

– use a “lite” cheese

– go with turkey or chicken instead of beef, ham or salami deli meat

––use whole grain or multigrain sub rolls over basic white bread

– go easy on the meat and heavy on the veggies

– use a healthy dressing instead of mayo or fattening alternatives

– watching carbs? Then scoop out some of the inside of the sub roll…less bread and more room for veggies and meat

Subs are easy to make. Tailor them to your liking. On a hot day or a super busy day, you don’t have to even crank up the stove! Instead of “pizza night” consider making it an Elevated Sub Night!