At minimum, a classic Italian sub contains a variety of Italian deli meats, provolone cheese, lettuce, plum tomatoes, salt and pepper, olive oil and red wine vinegar served on crusty Italian bread. They also often contain pepperoncini and onion, and they may or may not have a sprinkling of oregano.
Classic Italian subs contain at least three types of deli meat, which may include salami, ham and sandwich pepperoni, but it's not unusual to see them with four or five different types of Italian deli meat or salami. These subs can be made with plain boiled ham, cured Italian prosciutto or a combination of the two. Italian subs may be served cold, although they are often put under a broiler to toast before adding the vegetables and seasonings.
