Hoagie Vs Submarine Sandwich: Who Will Win?
What To Know
- It is said that Italian immigrants working in the city’s shipyards began making sandwiches with long, crusty rolls and a variety of fillings, including meats, cheeses, and vegetables.
- The crusty bread of a hoagie provides a satisfying crunch, while the soft bread of a sub is more pliable and easier to eat.
- Those who prefer a crusty bread and a more substantial sandwich may opt for a hoagie, while those who prefer a soft bread and a more manageable sandwich may choose a sub.
The hoagie and submarine sandwich, often referred to as subs, have been a staple of American cuisine for decades. While they share similarities, these sandwiches also have distinct characteristics that set them apart. This blog post delves into the fascinating world of hoagies and subs, exploring their origins, variations, and the ongoing debate over their differences.
Origins and Etymology
The hoagie is believed to have originated in Philadelphia in the early 1900s. It is said that Italian immigrants working in the city’s shipyards began making sandwiches with long, crusty rolls and a variety of fillings, including meats, cheeses, and vegetables. The term “hoagie” is thought to have derived from the Italian word “hoaggio,” meaning “a rough or coarse bread.”
The submarine sandwich, on the other hand, is believed to have originated in New London, Connecticut, during World War II. Sailors at the submarine base there began ordering sandwiches with long, cylindrical rolls that resembled submarines. The term “submarine sandwich” became popularized after the war and is now widely used throughout the United States.
Regional Variations
Hoagies and subs can be found in various regions of the United States, and each region has its own unique variations.
- Philadelphia: Hoagies in Philadelphia are typically made with long, crusty Italian rolls and filled with meats, cheeses, and vegetables. Popular fillings include roast beef, provolone, and Italian dressing.
- New York City: Subs in New York City are often made with soft, round rolls and filled with a variety of meats, cheeses, and sauces. The classic New York City sub is the Italian sub, which includes ham, salami, pepperoni, provolone, and lettuce, tomato, and onion.
- Chicago: Subs in Chicago are known for their Italian beef filling, which is made with thinly sliced roast beef cooked in a flavorful broth. The Italian beef sub is typically served on a French roll and topped with giardiniera, a pickled vegetable relish.
Bread
The bread is one of the key differences between hoagies and subs. Hoagies are typically made with long, crusty Italian rolls, while subs are often made with soft, round rolls. The crusty bread of a hoagie provides a satisfying crunch, while the soft bread of a sub is more pliable and easier to eat.
Fillings
Hoagies and subs can be filled with a wide variety of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and sauces. Some of the most popular fillings include:
- Meats: Ham, salami, pepperoni, roast beef, turkey, chicken
- Cheeses: Provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, American
- Vegetables: Lettuce, tomato, onion, peppers, pickles
- Sauces: Mayonnaise, mustard, oil and vinegar, Italian dressing
Size and Shape
Hoagies and subs are typically long and cylindrical, but they can vary in size. Hoagies are often larger than subs, and they can be cut into smaller pieces for sharing. Subs are typically served whole and eaten by one person.
Price and Value
Hoagies and subs can vary in price depending on the ingredients used and the size of the sandwich. In general, hoagies are more expensive than subs due to their larger size and the use of higher-quality ingredients. However, both hoagies and subs offer great value for money, as they are filling and satisfying meals.
The Great Debate
The debate over whether hoagies and subs are the same or different has been going on for decades. Some people argue that they are essentially the same sandwich, while others insist that they are two distinct culinary creations. Ultimately, the answer to this question depends on personal preference. Those who prefer a crusty bread and a more substantial sandwich may opt for a hoagie, while those who prefer a soft bread and a more manageable sandwich may choose a sub.
Hoagie vs Submarine Sandwich: Which One Is Right for You?
Whether you prefer a hoagie or a submarine sandwich, there is no denying that both are delicious and satisfying meals. The best way to decide which one is right for you is to try both and see which one you enjoy more.
What You Need to Know
Q: What is the difference between a hoagie and a submarine sandwich?
A: Hoagies are typically made with long, crusty Italian rolls, while subs are often made with soft, round rolls. Hoagies are also typically larger than subs and can be cut into smaller pieces for sharing.
Q: What are the most popular fillings for hoagies and subs?
A: Some of the most popular fillings for hoagies and subs include ham, salami, pepperoni, roast beef, turkey, chicken, provolone, mozzarella, cheddar, Swiss, American, lettuce, tomato, onion, peppers, pickles, mayonnaise, mustard, oil and vinegar, and Italian dressing.
Q: Which is better, a hoagie or a submarine sandwich?
A: The answer to this question depends on personal preference. Those who prefer a crusty bread and a more substantial sandwich may opt for a hoagie, while those who prefer a soft bread and a more manageable sandwich may choose a sub.