By Larry Billinger
In the hallowed halls of culinary history, the sandwich has long reigned supreme as the quintessential quick meal. But what if I told you that the hot dog, that all-American ballpark staple, is just a sandwich in a tight-fitting bun? Or that bologna, the oft-mocked meat, is essentially a hot dog that’s decided to go circular? Yes, in a past revelation, I dared to declare that bologna is nothing but a buff hot dog, and today, I’m taking you further down the rabbit hole of sandwich evolution. So, buckle up as we embark on a gastronomic journey that might just change the way you look at your lunch forever.
The Origins of the Sandwich
Our story begins unexpectedly with a rabbi named Hillel the Elder, who, way back in the 1st century B.C., had the revolutionary idea of putting some tasty fillings between two pieces of unleavened bread. Fast forward to 1762, and we meet John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, whose gambling habit gave us the modern sandwich. Legend has it the Earl needed a way to eat his meal without leaving the card table, leading to the birth of the sandwich as we know it. But did he imagine his creation would one day include the likes of sushi as the Japanese sandwich? I think not.
The Great Debate: What Qualifies as a Sandwich?
Now, the definition of a sandwich has been a hotly contested issue in my kitchen and, presumably, in kitchens worldwide. Some purists argue that a sandwich is strictly something between two slices of bread. But then, what about a hot dog? It’s meat in a bun, folks, and if that’s not sandwich material, I don’t know what is. And before you argue about the bun not being fully sliced, let me remind you of my culinary adventures with sandwich bread and a hot dog. The taste? Unmistakably sandwich.
Global Dishes in the Sandwich Spectrum
As we globetrot from the comfort of our dining tables, we encounter empanadas, samosas, and even baozi. These international delights challenge our sandwich stereotypes, proving that the essence of a sandwich is not its shape but its spirit. And while we’re on the subject, let’s not forget the culinary chameleon that is the bologna sandwich. Disguised as a simple meat, it’s really just a hot dog that’s been to the gym—a testament to the sandwich’s versatile nature.
The Sandwich Redefined
This journey has led me to redefine what constitutes a sandwich, pushing the boundaries beyond traditional bread barriers. From using regular bread for hot dogs to celebrating the calzone as a pizza sandwich, it’s clear the sandwich category is as fluid as the fillings it embraces. The culinary world is our oyster, and in this case, the oyster might just be another variant of a sandwich if we’re creative enough.
Embracing Culinary Diversity
In conclusion, the sandwich is not just a meal; it’s a metaphor for culinary diversity and innovation. From the humble beginnings with Hillel the Elder to the Earl of Sandwich’s game-changing snack, the evolution of the sandwich mirrors our own cultural and culinary journeys. As we continue to explore and redefine what belongs between two pieces of bread—or in some cases, between no bread at all—we pay homage to the rich tapestry of global cuisines.
So, the next time you bite into a hot dog, a baozi, or even a piece of bologna, remember: You’re not just eating a meal; you’re experiencing a piece of history, redefined by generations of food lovers around the world. And to those who still doubt the sandwich credentials of a hot dog or bologna, I say: Let’s not get bogged down by definitions. After all, in the grand scheme of things, isn’t life just one big sandwich, filled with a variety of experiences, wrapped in the bread of our daily routines?
Here’s to the sandwich, in all its forms—may it continue to inspire culinary creativity and bring us together, one bite at a time.
