Garlic Bread Meatball Subs
Inspired by his father’s recipe, this elevated take on an Italian-American classic features unctuous sizzling garlic bread as the subrolls. Having spent some of Quarantine exploring his culinary expertise, DeLucia chose this recipe after it came to him in a dream. Crispy buttery bread, saucy n’ juicy meatballs and CHEESE. Quick tip: fresh mozzarella, fresh basil and lots of crushed garlic take this already show-stopping sandwich to center stage.
Garlic Bread
Sub Rolls (not puny torpedos)
Butter
Crushed garlic
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Oregano
(Fresh) Basil
Grated Parmesan
Salt
Pepper
Sauce
Crushed/pureed tomatoes
Olive oil
Crushed garlic
Basil
Oregano
Pepper flakes
Salt
Pepper
Meatballs
1/4-1/2 lb. Ground beef & pork or veal
1 egg
1/2 cup-ish of Bread crumbs
Grated parmesan
Crushed Garlic
Garlic powder
Onion powder
(Fresh) basil
(Fresh) slices of/shredded Mozzarella for topping.
1. In a small sauce pan, melt butter, add in crushed garlic and all of your seasonings. Let the butter melt and begin to bubble. Turn off heat and let sit.
2. In a medium sauce pan combine all of your sauce ingredients over medium heat and let it come to a simmer. Stir occasionally. Sauce should thicken slightly over time.
3. In a large bowl, combine all of your meatball ingredients and mix until just combined. DO NOT overmix or the meatballs will become tough. Roll out balls evenly and began to pan fry in a medium sauté pan. Over medium-high heat, fry the balls until browned on all sides. Should take a few minutes per side. Once cooked, add the balls into the sauce to finish cooking and “marinate” with the flavors.
4. Slice your sub rolls horizontally and spread your garlic butter mixture generously over both sides of the roll. Toast under a searing hot broiler for a few minutes. Watch carefully as the rolls will burn in a matter of seconds.
5. Assemble subs to your desire. I started with slices of mozzarella on top of the garlic bread. Followed by 2.5/3 meatballs, a generous spoon full of sauce and more cheese/basil on top. Enjoy!
Stay tuned for future episodes of Proof is in the Pudding and make sure to follow Dan DeLucia, Carnivora, Gnarly Charlie, BP & The Big Picture and Reilly Somach and the Frozen Ponies for more! Photo courtesy of Sean Ageman for Washed Up Media.