Why Every Italian Sub Needs This Seasoning

Italian sub sandwiches are known for their generous amounts of cured Italian deli meats and cheeses piled on top of soft, fresh rolls. Typically included are sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, onion, some pickled veggies like pepperoncini or giardiniera, plus a drizzle of olive oil and tangy vinegar. But there is one extra ingredient that really seals in that classic Italian flare: a sprinkle of dried oregano. It gives a sub an extra layer of flavor that tastes excellent among the rich meats and cheeses and tangy vegetables.

Peppery, herbaceous, earthy, bold, aromatic oregano is an herb you see (and taste) in all kinds of Italian recipes including pizza, lasagna, and clams oreganata. Just a sprinkle on top of the rest of the ingredients in your Italian sub is the secret to why your sandwiches taste better from a deli. It doesn't just provide flavor, but dried oregano also exudes an aroma that will hit your nose before the sandwich hits your mouth, giving you a full sensational lunch experience. Add a bag of chips and a bottle of San Pellegrino and you'll have a meal you'll crave over and over again.

Generally, dried herbs are more pungent than fresh, and this is why a sprinkle of dried oregano is superior to the fresh stuff on an Italian sub. But there are a couple of steps you can take to get maximum aroma and flavor. First, make sure your dried oregano isn't expired. Yes, dried herbs have a very long shelf life, especially when compared to fresh herbs, but they do hit a point when their flavor declines, so take a quick look to ensure that yours is still good to go. Next, before you sprinkle the oregano on your sandwich, place the leaves in your hands and give them a brief rub. This breaks them up and releases any remaining oils, improving their flavor.

If you like a smear of mayo on your sandwiches, you could incorporate this lovely herb into the condiment itself to get the best of both of these flavor enhancers. Start by combining a cup of mayonnaise with a teaspoon of oregano, and adjust the amount according to your personal taste. Additionally, you could add a minced clove of garlic or lemon zest or juice. And herb mayo is one recipe in which you could interchange fresh oregano for dried; you'll just need to use more of the fresh stuff to get a comparable flavor. Not in the mood for a sandwich but still craving that Italian flavor? Oregano is the bold ingredient that can also transform a frozen pizza.