If you’re not a person who travels by train, you probably haven’t heard about Railroad Sandwiches. But they’ve been around at least since the beginning of train travel, and you can find a version of them at train stations in countries all over the world. Italy and France boast the most popular Railroad Sandwiches, due to their extraordinary cured meats and crusty baguettes. The sandwiches don’t need to be refrigerated. They’re bready, meaty, and stand up to harsh conditions like squishing them into our backpack for a day hike.

Ren made several versions for an article she was doing for the Amelia Islander Magazine. A restaurant next to the Chicago train station made the Italian one (along with a different and spicier giardiniera) famous in the US, and this is the recipe we’re sharing below.

Serves 2-3

Ingredients:

• 1 large Italian loaf
• 6 oz sliced ham
• 3 oz Genoa salami
• 3 oz soppressata
• 4 oz provolone
• 2-3 Tbs Chicago-style giardiniera
• Good Italian olive oil
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Pinches of red pepper flakes

Preparation:

Use only the best ingredients you can find, especially the bread, which should be a good crusty Italian loaf or a French baguette.

To begin, drain and reserve some of the oil from the giardiniera. Cut the bread in half horizontally, then drizzle each half lightly with the reserved oil. Sprinkle the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (to taste) on each half. Layer the ham on the bottom half, then the salami. Slather the giardiniera over the meats as a condiment. Top with the soppressata and provolone, then top with the other half of bread.

Place the sandwich on a cutting board, cut in half or thirds, and place a second cutting board on top. Using your hands, gently press on the cutting board until the sandwich is flattened somewhat. This keeps all the ingredients in place until you’re ready to eat later in the day. Remove the cutting board and wrap the sandwiches in parchment, butcher paper or newspaper. Don’t use plastic wrap because this may make your sandwich too soggy after a while.

Enjoy!