The Odd Origin of Sandwich: What is a Sandwich
Have you ever found yourself asking, “What is a sandwich?” We consume this universal quick-fix meal regularly without delving into its origins. The term “sandwich” was named after a man, not a cooking method or an ingredient. It was none other than the Earl of Sandwich — the 4th Earl, John Montagu to be precise. Obsessed with gambling, he supposedly ordered his meals to be delivered between two pieces of bread to avoid leaving the gambling table. Carriages weren’t the only things he rolled; he popularized a food trend that rolled across the globe.
The term sandwich, subsequently, came to denote a meal that was easy to eat while partaking in leisure activities like gambling or reading. However, not just any food between two slabs qualify as a legit sandwich. According to Merriam Webster, the simple combination of filling between two slices of bread makes a sandwich – unless it’s a hotdog, according to them.
Defining a Classic: What Defines a Sandwich
Google defines a sandwich as “an item of food consisting of two pieces of bread with a filling between them”. In common language, a sandwich can be a breakfast, a lunch box staple or a mid-afternoon snack. It can as simple as a butter and jelly sandwich or a complex culinary delight like a Reuben sandwich.
A sandwich is greatly defined by its filling. From peanut butter and jelly, ham and cheese to exotic ingredients like smoked salmon and capers – the possibilities are endless. Now, let’s take a bite at the debate around open-faced sandwiches. To be defined as a sandwich or not, Merriam Webster weighs in saying an open-faced sandwich can still be regarded as a sandwich despite having one slice of bread.
The Many Faces: Open-Faced Sandwiches and Hot Dogs
An open-faced sandwich often involves a single slice of bread topped with delicacies like beef, turkey, or a variety of cheeses. They’re then usually garnished with lettuce, tomatoes, and pickles. The debate around open-faced sandwiches and hotdogs as a sandwich sparked various opinions. It certainly defies a sandwich norm of two slices of bread, but does it still count as one?
This leads us to hot dogs, the all-American staple enjoyed at ball games and barbecues. Is a hot dog a sandwich? While many would vehemently deny this association, according to the technical definition, hot dogs fall into the sandwich category. The National Hot Dog and Sausage Council disagrees, arguing that ‘hot dog’ is a category in itself.
Bread Matters: Slices of Bread
One cannot talk about sandwiches without recognizing the role of slices of bread. From white, wheat, rye to ciabatta, the choices of bread in a sandwich are limitless. The bread acts as a vehicle for the filling, adding texture, flavor, and depth. A good sandwich often boils down to quality bread. While preservative-laden loaves might make your sandwich last longer, freshly-baked artisanal bread seals the real deal.
The beauty of bread in a sandwich is its adaptability. Depending on local food culture, sandwiches can be found in a multitude of bread forms – from Italian Ciabatta, Jewish bagels, American hamburger buns, to Indian Pav. So, remember, sandwiches across the world may come in many shapes and sizes, but innovation and regional flavors make them unique.
The Eternal Classic: Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich
A peanut butter and jelly sandwich is a classic American sandwich that needs little introduction. An undisputed favorite among kids and adults alike, this combination has stood the test of time, cementing itself as an icon of American cuisine. The simple act of slathering a generous amount of peanut butter and jelly onto two bread slices creates a marriage of flavors that are as harmonious as they are delightful.
According to the Peanut Board, an average American will have consumed at least 2,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches by the time they graduate high school. This staple balances the creamy, rich taste of peanut butter with the sweet and tart flavor of jelly – an irresistible combination that leaves one hankering for more.
The Savory Punch: Meat and Cheese in a Sandwich
Meat cheese sandwiches are another global sandwich favorite that transcends cultures and borders. Whether it’s a Ham and Cheese on rye or a Chicken and cheese Panini, this combo has gained popularity due to its versatility and satisfying texture. The choice of meat and cheese can greatly influence the taste, providing endless variations to please our palates.
The cheese adds a creamy richness and balances the savory flavor of the meat. The flavor combinations are virtually endless, from Swiss cheese with Smoked Turkey, Cheddar with Chicken, Gouda with Ham, Brie and Bacon, or Mozzarella with Meatballs – the choices are wide, varied, and absolutely delicious.
The Breadbook: Pieces of Bread
As much as we love the fillings, sandwiches would not exist without the pieces of bread that hold it all together. Used interchangeably with slices of bread, the term implies the many forms bread can take within a sandwich. From the traditional two slices of bread to the open faced with a single piece, or even a wrap where bread completely encloses the filling, bread is essential.
From baguettes, bagels, buns, to wraps, breads add not only varied texture and taste but also a cultural appeal to a sandwich. The humble baguette takes on a new life when used for a Vietnamese Bánh mì and the soft Pita bread of Greek cuisine transforms into a tasty Gyro.
1. What is a sandwich?
A sandwich is an item of food made by placing a filling between two pieces of bread.
2. Who is associated with the origin of sandwiches?
The Earl of Sandwich is credited with popularizing the sandwich concept.
3. What defines a sandwich?
Generally, a sandwich is defined as a meal where the filling is placed between two slices of bread. However, Merriam Webster inclines towards accepting open-faced sandwiches as legit sandwiches too.
4. Can an open-faced item be considered a sandwich?
While it defies the common sandwich norm of having two slices of bread, according to Merriam Webster, an open-faced sandwich can still be regarded as a sandwich.
5. Is a hot dog considered a sandwich?
Technically a hot dog because it has filling enclosed by bread can be defined as a sandwich, but many people — including the National Hot Dog and Sausage Council — argue it’s a category all its own.
6. How important are slices of bread in a sandwich?
Bread plays a significant role in a sandwich. It is the vehicle for the filling, adds texture and flavor to the sandwich, and can greatly determine the quality of the sandwich.
7. Why is the peanut butter and jelly sandwich so popular in America?
Peanut butter and jelly is a versatile, convenient, and non-perishable filling, making it an ideal fit for quick meals, especially for schoolchildren and working adults. The perfect blend of sweetness from the jelly and creaminess from the peanut butter is also irresistibly delicious.
8. What meats and cheese go well together in a sandwich?
The list is wide and varied. Some popular combinations are Swiss cheese with Smoked Turkey, Cheddar with Chicken, Gouda with Ham, Brie and Bacon, or Mozzarella with Meatballs.
9. Does the type of bread impact the sandwich overall?
Yes, the type of bread used in a sandwich can impact the texture, flavor, and cultural appeal of the sandwich.
10. What is the difference between pieces of bread and slices of bread in a sandwich definition?
Generally, they are used interchangeably. However, “pieces of bread” refers to the different forms of bread in a sandwich: from two slices of bread to wraps where bread completely encloses the filling.
