Posted October 31, 2023 by: Admin #Kitchen

The grinder, a highly appreciated sandwich with mysterious origins, has become synonymous with New England. While the history of its name remains uncertain, some attribute it to dockworkers, while others associate it with the jaw’s effort to devour its massive and ingredient-filled contents. Nevertheless, whatever the name, one thing is undeniable: the grinder promises an unforgettable and delicious experience.

Over time, the distinctions between grinders, hoagies, and subs have blurred, but one fundamental truth remains: a true grinder must boast a rich assortment of meats, cheeses, shredded lettuce, and thinly sliced vegetables. Recently, a TikTok trend has breathed new life into the world of grinders, raising the debate.

The TikTok grinder is a delightful creation composed of classic elements: a small bread roll, generously topped with cheese and often grilled, adorned with various meats, tomato slices, and a sprinkle of grated parmesan. But what sets this sandwich apart is the ingenious salad that accompanies it. Unlike the conventional approach of simply spreading mayo and lettuce on the bread, this TikTok version combines the ingredients to create a delightfully crispy and creamy salad—a fusion of condiments and vegetables in perfect harmony. For added originality, our version incorporates slices of bell peppers, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes.

Furthermore, this grinder recipe can easily be scaled up for parties or picnics. It yields an abundance of this succulent salad, which you will soon discover transforms into an incredibly delicious chip dip—a delightful bonus that will make you grateful for the extras.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 small head of iceberg lettuce
• 1/4 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/3 cup sliced cherry or banana peppers
• 2 tablespoons sliced green olives (optional)
• 1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 large or 2 medium submarine rolls
• 4 to 6 slices of provolone cheese
• 6 to 8 slices of ham or turkey
• 4 to 6 slices of salami
• 3 to 4 slices of prosciutto
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• 2 tablespoons finely grated parmesan

Steps to Follow

1. Gather the ingredients.

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients on hand.

2. Prepare the salad filling.

Take the iceberg lettuce and finely chop it into half-inch ribbons. Slice the red onion. Mix both ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.

3. Add flavorful elements.

In the same bowl, add the peppers, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Mix everything carefully until the flavors are well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning to your preferences.

 

4. Preheat the grill.

Set the broiler to high heat so it’s ready when you need it.

5. Prepare the rolls.

Using a serrated knife, carefully split the roll(s) in half lengthwise, making sure they remain attached on one side to resemble a book. Place the open rolls on a rimmed baking sheet.

6. Add the cheese.

Evenly place the cheese on the two halves of the open roll(s). Slide the baking sheet with the prepared rolls under the broiler and let the cheese melt, which usually takes 2 to 3 minutes.

7. Assemble the sandwiches.

It’s time to get to the highlight of this sandwich creation! Generously spoon the prepared salad mixture over the melted cheese. For an extra touch, sprinkle the salad with grated parmesan.

8. Finish and serve.

Close the sandwich(es) with the top halves of the rolls. If you prefer, you can cut the sandwiches in half for easier handling. Serve the delicious Italian salad sandwich immediately and savor its delightful flavors!

How to Store the Salad

Storing leftover salad is simple! Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days.

If you’re preparing the grinder in advance, be sure not to melt the cheese or toast the bread. Instead, tightly wrap the roll with meat and cheese and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a day. The salad should be kept separately and added at the time of serving for absolute freshness. This way, your meal will be ready to be enjoyed as soon as you’re ready to savor it!