Italian Vegetable Hoagies

Italian Vegetable Hoagies (picture taken by my brother Prescott)

I've done this one a couple of times and I really like it. It's pretty quick, but only if you have a slicer. I will say I made a couple of changes, but I bet it is good the original way. Personally, I would not use a baguette. I've used French bread, but I think any (sourdough) will do. It should be thicker otherwise you can't fit all the tasty goodness on it! I broil it for a bit so it's firmer and can hold everything.

Also don't bother with the lettuce unless your lettuce has some special nutrional value that mine doesn't. I also add cucumbers for more of a CRUNCH, cause I'm all about the crunch. To make it even healthier add vegis that you like. The artichoke, tomato "sauce" makes it delicious no matter what so there's not much you can do to screw this up.

Don't forget to scoop out some of the bread! Less bread=more vegis!

• 1/4 cup(s) thinly sliced red onion, separated into rings
• 1 can(s) (14-ounce) artichoke hearts, rinsed and coarsely chopped
• 1 medium tomato, seeded and diced
• 2 tablespoon(s) balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon(s) extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon(s) dried oregano
• 1 16- to 20-inch-long baguette, preferably whole-grain
• 2 slice(s) (about 2 ounces) provolone cheese, halved
• 2 cup(s) shredded romaine lettuce
• 1/4 cup(s) sliced pepperoncini (optional)

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Directions

1. Place onion rings in a small bowl and add cold water to cover. Set aside while you prepare the remaining ingredients.
2. Combine artichoke hearts, tomato, vinegar, oil, and oregano in a medium bowl. Cut baguette into 4 equal lengths. Split each piece horizontally and pull out about half of the soft bread from each side. Drain the onions and pat dry.
3. To assemble sandwiches, divide provolone among the bottom pieces of baguette. Spread on the artichoke mixture and top with the onion, lettuce, and pepperoncini, if using. Cover with the baguette tops. Serve immediately.
   
   Carb Servings: 2 starch, 1 vegetable, 1/2 medium fat meat, 1 fat. Carbohydrate Servings: 2. Nutrition Bonus: Vitamin C (20% daily value), Vitamin A (15% dv).
4. And here's the link! http://www.kitchendaily.com/recipe/italian-vegetable-hoagies-140246/