Ep 3. Deli Delights

In this episode of Sandwich King, titled "Deli Delights," the charismatic host, Jeff Mauro, takes us on another mouthwatering journey into the world of sandwiches. Known for his passion for all things between bread, Jeff dives headfirst into the extraordinary realm of deli sandwiches, exploring their rich history and creating some truly irresistible concoctions.

The episode begins with Jeff's visit to a local deli, where he gets a firsthand look at the inner workings of a traditional deli counter. As he samples an array of cured meats and artisan cheeses, Jeff can't help but marvel at the vast array of ingredients available for creating the ultimate deli sandwich. Inspired by what he sees, he sets out on a mission to demonstrate how simple ingredients can be transformed into extraordinary sandwiches that will satisfy even the most discerning taste buds.

Back in his own kitchen, Jeff starts off by whipping up his take on the classic Reuben. As he grills the rye bread and piles on layers of corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut, Jeff imparts his tips and tricks for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures in every bite. To elevate the sandwich even further, he spreads his special homemade Russian dressing and gives it a final grilling to melt the cheese, resulting in a Reuben that is oozing with deliciousness.

Next up, Jeff ventures into the world of Italian deli sandwiches with his spin on the iconic Muffuletta. Using a round loaf of Italian bread as his canvas, he layers on a medley of cured meats such as salami, ham, and mortadella, along with provolone cheese and a tangy olive salad. As he presses the sandwich to meld all the flavors together, Jeff explains the significance of the Muffuletta in New Orleans cuisine and how each ingredient contributes to its unique taste.

Continuing his deli exploration, Jeff introduces us to his version of a French Dip sandwich. He slow-cooks a beef roast in flavorful broth until it's tender and juicy, then slices it thin and piles it onto a crusty French baguette. As the sandwich takes a dip in the rich au jus, Jeff showcases his expertise in achieving the perfect level of beefy flavor and moistness. With a side of the au jus for dipping, this French Dip sandwich is the epitome of comfort food done right.

As the episode progresses, Jeff branches out into lesser-known deli creations, including his take on a Vietnamese Banh Mi. Drawing inspiration from the vibrant flavors of Vietnamese cuisine, he combines marinated grilled pork with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and sriracha mayo on a fresh baguette. The result is a harmonious fusion of sweet, tangy, spicy, and fresh flavors that transport the taste buds to the bustling streets of Vietnam.

To end the episode on a sweet note, Jeff surprises us with a dessert sandwich like no other - a Cannoli Ice Cream Sandwich. Using crisp cannoli shells and velvety ricotta ice cream, he crafts a delightful treat that perfectly balances the delicate flavors of the cannoli with the creaminess of the ice cream. With a dusting of powdered sugar and a drizzle of chocolate sauce, this dessert sandwich is a fitting finale to a delectable journey into the world of deli delights.

"Sandwich King" Season 2, Episode 3, "Deli Delights," encapsulates the essence of the show as Jeff Mauro showcases his expertise and creativity in crafting extraordinary sandwiches. With his infectious enthusiasm and know-how, he takes viewers on a culinary adventure that celebrates the rich history and diverse flavors of deli sandwiches. So grab a napkin and get ready to embark on a tantalizing journey into the art of sandwich-making with the Sandwich King himself.