I swear it was just moments—okay, maybe hours—after I made these grinders for Bruce that he asked me to marry him….
My mom used to make these on Sunday nights when we were growing up—that was when heros and subs were called grinders. We lived in NYC, and she used to go to a little deli Italian deli near Bloomingdale’s to buy really good sausage, which, at the time, you couldn’t get at your neighborhood Gristedes. (She also used to go to that deli to get salami and provolone grinders for road trips to Connecticut–that was before kids had DVD players in the car, or iphones, or ipods. Positively prehistoric…but, man, it was hard to sit still for nearly three hours without asking “How much longer?” and sending my dad in fits of impatience/annoyance/and get me back to the office.)
Back to the sausage grinder. I loved them then, and I love them now (but make them rarely because, really, what justifies a meal like this except pure piggishness, which is not exactly what you want to teach your 12-year-old daughter?). And, as for Bruce: Years later, he still looks at me differently when he sits down to a dinner of these grinders.
They’re totally simple to make. Just buy enough good crusty Italian bread to make bigger-than-normal sandwiches for however many pigs you’re feeding. Figure one to two Italian sausages per sandwich (we like hot, but sometimes mix hot and sweet…and NO, THIS DOES NOT WORK WITH TURKEY SAUSAGE, you lightweight!). So…I just saute the sausages with slices of onions and peppers, then plop in cans of peeled whole tomatoes in tomato puree to cover. Let simmer until your whole kitchen smells like it’s been hijacked to Italy. Slice the bread into giant sandwiches and cut through so you have a top and bottom for each. Pile on the sausages (I usually slice in half the long way so the flat side sits securely), and ladle the tomato sauce, scooping up lots of onions and pepper to deposit on top of the sausages. Sprinkle generously with good grated Parmesan…and then put handfuls of grated mozzarella on top of that. Top with the other piece of bread, wrap each sandwich tightly with aluminum foil, and put in the oven (375 degrees) until cheese melts and bread crisps.
Tonight is your night!
I love meatball subs (that’s what I call ‘em) but that would so wind up all downt he front of my shirt!
That bread is so crusty and yummy too!
By: Monica H on November 9, 2009
at 10:06 pm
My son would love this meal. Looks great!
By: Hélène on November 9, 2009
at 10:22 pm
This post really made me smile. Of all the gourmet meals I’ve made for Sean, I’m sure none of them would please him as much as this winning combination of meat and melted cheese!
By: lickedspoon on November 10, 2009
at 3:33 am
This is an awesome sandwich! Would be a hit with my husband too!
By: Natasha - 5 Star Foodie on November 10, 2009
at 6:12 am
Loved this post! My mama made these and I loved them! They are truly Man Food!
By: TheKitchenWitch on November 10, 2009
at 6:21 am
I better not show Mr. B this photo- he’ll want one tonight! These look like a fantastic splurge!
By: Phoo-D on November 10, 2009
at 7:37 am
Amazing and there are definitely piggies at our house who would kill for one of these. One reason my husband agrees to visit the States once in a while. Gorgeous!
And “way back then” we used to drive the 24 hours up to grandma’s house – 4 kids in the back seat!
By: Jamie on November 10, 2009
at 10:21 am
A hearty and delicious classic! I can’t say I’ve ever even eaten a turkey sausage – no lightweight here!
By: Reeni on November 10, 2009
at 2:53 pm
My mouth is watering at the pictures…and I just had dinner
By: Juliana on November 10, 2009
at 8:34 pm
LOL! It’s so funny when people mention how a dish is so great it inspires someone to fall in love. That’s when you know the recipe is a keeper!
By: Christine@ FRESH LOCAL on November 10, 2009
at 10:06 pm
Wow, that is a monster sandwich! I’d have to squish it real good just to take a bite. Looks absolutely delicious!
By: Palidor on November 11, 2009
at 3:55 am
This has just GOT to be the best offering during a football game I could ever present! My group will love it!
By: Barbara on November 11, 2009
at 5:47 am
Such a cute story! Your grinder sounds cheesy and so delicious!
By: Karine on November 11, 2009
at 9:02 am
I think my husband would fall in love with me all over again if I made that for him!
So easy! I’ve NEVER made anything like that before. Thanks Catherine!
By: Jenn@slim-shoppin on November 11, 2009
at 11:13 am
WOW!! look really amazing, I love this, look so yummy!!! gloria
By: Gloria on November 11, 2009
at 1:05 pm
Waw!!! the first picture sayas it all,…pure indulgence!!
Amazing & so tasty looking!! Wow!!
By: Sophie on November 11, 2009
at 2:33 pm
Okay the pictures alone brought me to my knees…just awesome.
By: noble pig on November 12, 2009
at 2:18 pm
Hooo, although I don’t really like sandwich, I must say that this one of yours look pretty tempting.
By: elra on November 12, 2009
at 8:39 pm