The Italian Hero Sandwich, also known as an Italian sub or hoagie, has its roots in the early 20th century when Italian immigrants in the United States began to popularize their traditional recipes. This sandwich is a tribute to the rich flavors of Italy, where cured meats, fresh cheeses, and robust seasonings are staples in many dishes. The Italian Hero as we know it today is a blend of these classic ingredients, layered between a crusty roll, creating a sandwich that is both filling and full of flavor.

The term “hero” is thought to have originated in New York City, coined by food writer Clementine Paddleford in the 1930s. She once remarked that “you needed to be a hero to finish the gigantic Italian sandwich.” Over the years, the Italian Hero has become a beloved staple in delis and restaurants across the United States, each version slightly different but all staying true to its delicious Italian roots.

Why This Dish Works So Well

What makes the Italian Hero Sandwich stand out is its perfect balance of flavors and textures. The spiciness of the hot Italian sausage complements the rich, savory taste of pepperoni and Genoa salami. The mozzarella cheese melts beautifully, adding a creamy texture that ties the sandwich together. Sautéed bell peppers and onions introduce a sweet, slightly charred flavor, enhancing the overall profile of the sandwich. The marinara sauce served on the side is the perfect finishing touch, adding a tangy, garlicky note that elevates each bite.

Occasions to Serve the Italian Hero Sandwich

The Italian Hero Sandwich is a versatile dish that fits a variety of occasions. Its hearty nature makes it an ideal choice for a game day spread, where guests can enjoy a robust, flavorful meal without needing to sit down for a formal dinner. It’s also a great option for casual family gatherings, where you can prepare a big batch of these sandwiches and let everyone serve themselves.

For a more intimate setting, the Italian Hero Sandwich can be served as a cozy weeknight dinner. Pair it with a simple side salad or a bowl of soup, and you have a meal that’s both satisfying and comforting. The sandwich also travels well, making it a fantastic option for picnics or lunch on the go.

Now that you know a bit more about the history and appeal of the Italian Hero Sandwich, here’s how you can make Chef Serge Krikorian’s version at home:

Ingredients:

– 2 (4 oz) cooked hot Italian sausage links

– 8 slices pepperoni

– 8 slices Genoa salami

– 6 oz shredded mozzarella

– 2 tablespoons butter

– 1/2 yellow onion, sliced

– 1/4 red bell pepper, sliced

– 1/4 green bell pepper, sliced

– 2 (6-inch) soft hoagie rolls

– 4 oz marinara sauce

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and bell peppers, and sauté until they are soft and slightly caramelized.

2. Prepare the Sausage: Slice the cooked Italian sausage on a bias, then sear the slices in the hot skillet until they develop a nice crust. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Toast the Hoagie Rolls: Butter the hoagie rolls and place them in the skillet, toasting until they are golden brown and crispy.

4. Assemble the Sandwich: On one side of each toasted hoagie roll, layer the shredded mozzarella and cooked sausage slices. On the other side, layer the pepperoni and salami. Top the meats with the sautéed peppers and onions.

5. Broil to Perfection: Place the assembled sandwiches under a broiler until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

6. Serve: Serve the sandwiches hot, with a side of marinara sauce for dipping.

A Final Word

The Italian Hero Sandwich is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavors that transports you to the heart of Italian-American cuisine. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a quiet evening at home, this sandwich is sure to satisfy your cravings for something hearty, flavorful, and undeniably delicious.

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Recently featured on THV11’s The Vine with co-hosts Ashley King and Adam Bledsoe, Chef Serge Krikorian shared two of his most beloved winter chili recipes. These hearty, soul-warming dishes perfectly capture the essence of comfort food while delivering impressive nutritional benefits.

Creamy Chicken Chili: A Southwest-Inspired Comfort

Our Chicken Chili combines traditional Mexican flavors with a creamy twist. The secret lies in the unique combination of pureed cannellini beans and cream cheese, creating a luxuriously smooth texture while keeping the dish lighter than traditional beef chilis. The Mexican oregano and fresh lime juice add authentic southwestern notes, while the green chilies provide a gentle heat that warms without overwhelming.

This versatile dish works beautifully for both casual family dinners and upscale events. For wedding receptions, we often serve it in elegant mini copper kettles as a passed appetizer. At corporate events, it’s a hit in our build-your-own chili bars, where guests can customize with toppings like fresh avocado, tortilla strips, or shredded cheese.

Creamy Chicken Chili Recipe

Ingredients for Chicken Marinade:

• 2 (8 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• ½ tsp Mexican oregano
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil
• 1 Tbsp lime juice

Chicken Preparation:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, garlic, grapeseed oil, and lime juice. Let them marinate for 30 minutes.
3. Place the marinated chicken on a sheet pan and roast in the oven until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (about 25-30 minutes).
4. Cut the chicken into small cubes or shred it, depending on your preference.

Soup Ingredients:

• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 1 Tbsp grapeseed oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 quart low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 (7 oz) can diced green chilies
• 2 tsp cumin
• ½ tsp ground coriander
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp pepper
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1 1/2 cup fresh or frozen corn
• 2 (15.5oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 Tbsp fresh lime juice
• 2 Tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (plus extra for serving)

Instructions:

1. Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot, heat grapeseed oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds.
2. Add Broth and Spices: Pour in the chicken broth, diced green chilies, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, and cayenne pepper. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.
3. Prepare the Beans: While the soup is simmering, puree 2 cups of the cannellini beans with ¼ cup of the broth from the soup in a food processor until smooth.
4. Simmer the Soup: Add the cooked chicken, corn, whole beans, and the pureed beans to the pot. Stir in the cream cheese and let it melt into the soup. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes to thicken the soup and allow the flavors to blend.
5. Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh lime juice and cilantro just before serving. Garnish with additional cilantro if desired.

Pork Green Chili: New Mexican Heritage

Our Pork Green Chili pays homage to New Mexican cuisine, featuring the state’s famous Hatch chilies. The slow-simmered pork shoulder becomes incredibly tender, while the combination of fresh and roasted chilies creates layers of complex flavor. Rich in protein and featuring metabolism-boosting spices, this hearty chili delivers both nutrition and satisfaction.

This robust soup shines at outdoor events, particularly fall weddings or corporate gatherings. We love serving it in bread bowls for casual events or presenting it as a refined first course topped with artfully placed crema and micro-cilantro for more formal occasions.

Both soups can be made ahead and actually improve in flavor over time, making them perfect for busy hosts and event planners. They’re also excellent options for winter meal prep, as they freeze beautifully and maintain their quality when reheated.

Pork Green Chili Recipe

2 lbs. pork shoulder 

2 Tbls. ground cumin

3 Tbls. chile powder

2 Tbls. dried oregano

1 Tbls. minced garlic

1 large yellow onion, diced

1 Qt. chicken stock

1 32 oz. can whole tomatoes

2 Tbls. tomato paste

8 roasted hatch green chiles, fresh roasted and diced, or 1 6 oz. can diced hatch green chiles

2 fresh jalapeño peppers, seeded deveined and diced 

Grapeseed oil 

2 tsp. Kosher salt 

1 tsp. ground black pepper

Shredded mozzarella and sour cream, optional garnish

Instructions

1. Cut the pork shoulder into small 1” cubes and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the grapeseed oil in a dutch oven.  Working in batches, brown the pork on all sides in oil over medium high heat.  Remove the meat from the dutch oven and set aside. 
3. In the dutch oven, saute the onions until translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes.  Add the minced fresh garlic and saute for another minute or two.  Add the cumin, chile powder, oregano and tomato paste and continue to saute for another couple of minutes.
4. Add the chicken stock, crushed tomatoes, and pork to the dutch oven, cover, and simmer for 1 hour.
5. Add the hatch green chilis and jalapeno and simmer for another 1 hour.  
6. Garnish with mozzarella cheese and sour cream and serve.

Enjoy your delicious and hearty chili!

For more recipes, cooking tips and tricks from Chef Serge Krikorian with Vibrant Occasions Catering, head over to Cooking With The Kriks on YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe to stay up-to-date!

Welcome back to the Vibrant Occasions Catering blog, where we share the culinary masterpieces of our talented chefs and the stories behind them. Today, we’re thrilled to present a recipe that recently dazzled viewers on THV 11’s The Vine, prepared by our very own Chef Serge Krikorian alongside the co-hosts Adam Bledsoe and Ashley King. Get ready to impress your guests with Sous Vide Sirloin Steak topped with a vibrant Chimichurri Sauce. Let’s dive into the origins, perfect pairings, and ideal occasions for this exquisite dish.

The Origins of Sous Vide Cooking

Sous vide, which means “under vacuum” in French, is a cooking technique where food is vacuum-sealed in a bag and then cooked to precise temperatures in a water bath. This method ensures even cooking and enhances the tenderness and flavor of meats. The result? A steak that’s cooked to perfection every time, with a juiciness and texture that’s hard to achieve with traditional cooking methods.

Sous Vide Sirloin Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipes

Ingredients:

– 4 8 oz sirloin steaks

– Salt, pepper, and granulated garlic to taste

– 1 tablespoon butter

– 2 cups fresh parsley, finely chopped

– 1 cup extra virgin olive oil

– 5 garlic cloves, minced

– 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

– 1 tsp red pepper flakes

– 1 shallot, diced

– 1 tsp dried oregano

– Juice of 1 lemon

Instructions:

1. Season and Sous Vide the Steaks: Generously season the sirloin steaks with salt, pepper, and granulated garlic. Place each steak along with a pat of butter in a vacuum-sealed bag. Cook the steaks in a sous vide water bath at 130°F for 2 hours.
2. Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce: While the steaks are cooking, combine the parsley, olive oil, garlic, vinegar, red pepper flakes, oregano, shallot, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Cool and Grill the Steaks: Once cooked, transfer the bags to an ice bath for 5 minutes to prevent overcooking. Remove the steaks from the bags, pat them dry, and preheat your grill to high heat. Sear the steaks for 3-4 minutes on each side until a crust forms and the internal temperature reaches at least 140°F for medium doneness.
4. Serve: Let the steaks rest for 10 minutes, then slice against the grain. Serve with the freshly made chimichurri sauce.

Perfect Pairings

To elevate this dish, consider the following pairings:

– Side Dishes: Serve with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a fresh arugula salad.

– Wine Pairing: A robust Malbec or a full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon will complement the rich flavors of the sirloin and the zesty chimichurri.

– Bread: Warm, crusty bread like a baguette to soak up any extra chimichurri.

Ideal Occasions for Sous Vide Sirloin Steak

This dish shines at various events, making it a versatile addition to your menu:

– Elegant Dinners: Impress your guests with a steakhouse-quality meal at your next dinner party.

– Outdoor Gatherings: Perfect for grilling season, this recipe brings gourmet flavors to your backyard BBQ.

– Special Celebrations: Elevate birthdays, anniversaries, or any special occasion with this sophisticated dish.

– Catering Events: Show your clients the premium quality and exceptional taste that Vibrant Occasions Catering delivers.

A Culinary Experience to Remember

At Vibrant Occasions Catering, we’re passionate about creating unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a home cook looking to impress, this recipe offers a perfect blend of tenderness, flavor, and elegance.

Stay tuned to our blog for more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and behind-the-scenes stories. Follow us on social media and visit our website to learn more about our catering services and how we can make your next event truly vibrant.

Happy cooking!

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Today, we’re excited to share a recipe that has delighted taste buds and earned rave reviews: Chef Serge Krikorian’s Chicken Tikka Masala. Originally featured on an episode of THV 11’s The Vine, this dish is a symphony of flavors, perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the origins, pairings, and occasions that make this dish a must-try.

The Origins of Chicken Tikka Masala

Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish with roots in Indian cuisine, yet it’s often considered a quintessential British favorite. The story goes that it was created by improvisation in British Indian restaurants, combining marinated chicken (tikka) with a spiced creamy tomato sauce (masala). Chef Serge brings his unique touch to this classic, blending aromatic spices and fresh ingredients to create a dish that’s rich, flavorful, and utterly satisfying.

Chicken Tikka:

– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

– 1 teaspoon table salt

– 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts

– 1 cup plain whole-milk yogurt

– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 2 medium garlic cloves, minced

– 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

Masala Sauce:

– 3 tablespoons vegetable oil

– 1 medium onion, diced fine

– 2 medium garlic cloves, minced

– 2 tsp. grated fresh ginger

– 1 fresh serrano chile, minced

– 1 tbls. tomato paste

– 1 tbls. garam masala

– 2 tsp. ground coriander

– 1/4 tsp. ground cardamom

– 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon

– 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper

– 1 can diced tomatoes (28-ounce)

– 2 tsp. sugar

– 1 tsp. table salt

– 1 cup of chicken stock

– 1/3 cup heavy cream

– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro leaves

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: Mix the cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, garlic, ginger, oil, and yogurt. Coat the chicken strips and refrigerate for at least an hour.
2. Prepare the Sauce: Sauté onions in oil until golden. Add garlic, ginger, chile, tomato paste, and spices, cooking until fragrant. Stir in tomatoes, sugar, salt, and stock, simmering for 25 minutes.
3. Cook the Chicken: Bake marinated chicken at 350°F for about 20 minutes, ensuring it reaches 165°F internally.
4. Finish the Dish: Stir cream and cilantro into the sauce, add cooked chicken, and simmer for 10 more minutes. Serve hot with rice or naan.

Perfect Pairings

Chicken Tikka Masala pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and beverages. For a complete meal, serve it with:

– Basmati Rice: The fragrant, long-grain rice complements the rich masala sauce.

– Naan Bread: Soft, buttery naan is perfect for scooping up the flavorful sauce.

– A Crisp Salad: A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast.

Wine Pairing: A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a medium-bodied Pinot Noir would balance the dish’s spices and creamy texture, enhancing your dining experience.

Ideal Occasions for Chicken Tikka Masala

This versatile dish is perfect for various occasions:

– Casual Gatherings: Impress your friends with a flavorful and exotic dish that’s easy to share.

– Family Dinners: A comforting meal that brings everyone together around the table.

– Catering Events: Chicken Tikka Masala adds a sophisticated touch to any catered event, showcasing a fusion of flavors that guests will love.

A Dish to Impress

At Vibrant Occasions Catering, we believe in creating memorable dining experiences. Chef Serge’s Chicken Tikka Masala is more than just a dish; it’s a culinary journey that combines tradition with innovation. Whether you’re a foodie, a home cook, or planning an event, this recipe is sure to impress and delight.

Stay tuned to our blog for more recipes, tips, and stories from the world of catering. Follow us on social media and visit our website to learn more about our services and how we can make your next event a vibrant occasion.

Bon appétit!

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