A sandwich (from the English name sandwich) is one of the many types of sandwiches. A sandwich consists of two (usually) or more slices of bread (often bread), as well as one or more layers of filling. The French version of the sandwich is called croc, and the Italian name is typical panini.
The main difference between a sandwich and a sandwich is that the first consists of a filling that is placed between slices of bread, while a sandwich is understood to mean a loaf of bread on which ingredients are added.
The origin of the sandwich in its current form can be roughly attributed to Europe of the 17th century. However, the very idea of wrapping in bread or putting other ingredients on it appeared in various cultures long before that. So, for example, according to one of the legends, even the ancient Jewish law teacher Hillel liked to wrap Easter lamb meat with maror (horseradish with salad) in soft matzo.
It is noteworthy that the information in the Oxford Dictionary confirms the fact that the earliest use of the word “sandwich” in relation to food dates back to 1762. In addition, in his diary, Edward Gibbon describes how "the best people of the kingdom" - the regulars of the club, which he was a member of - have dinner "with a sandwich or small pieces of cold meat."
However, according to the most widely accepted version, the name of this sandwich comes from the fourth Earl of Sandwich - the title of John Montague, who was an avid gambler. According to legend, he sat around the table around the clock and asked for cold beef to be served between two slices of bread - so he could not be distracted by meals.
Be that as it may, in the modern world, the popularity of sandwiches is simply huge. Especially in the big cities of England, sandwiches have become an integral part of the food culture. So, for example, in London there are a considerable number of companies that sell sandwiches (EAT, Pret-a-manger, Benjys). The largest manufacturers of sandwiches in the world (a variety is the well-known hamburger) are McDonald's, Burger King and Subway fast-food restaurant chains.
In the United States, there are many regional varieties of sandwiches. For example, Chicago is famous for Italian sandwiches in sandwiches, in Milwaukee they cook sandwiches with sausages and sauerkraut, residents of Philadelphia prefer sandwiches with meat and cheese, and in Los Angeles sandwiches with French sauce are most popular.
In addition, in New Orleans, the championship among the varieties of sandwiches is disputed by the “muffletta” and “in the fight”. By the way, the first option comes from the Italian community of the city and they prepare such a sandwich with ham, mortadella, salami, provolone and olives, while adding a lot of garlic to the dish.
Also in the USA, sandwiches of a triangular shape, which are called "club" in English, are quite widespread. Most often, it is sold in 2 pieces in packages of plastic or cardboard. In fact, two such sandwiches are one rectangular toast sandwich, which is cut diagonally. More people prefer meatball sandwich
With the opening of fast food restaurants (1990), sandwiches gained popularity in Russia, as well as in several other countries of the former Soviet Union. Today, domestic culinary specialists are happy to prepare various types of closed sandwiches at home.
It is interesting that, despite the short shelf life of such products, a special sandwich was specially developed for the American army, capable of not spoiling for three whole years.
One of the most expensive sandwiches today can be purchased in one of London's supermarkets, where the price of such an unusual dish reaches 85 pounds. This sandwich consists of products such as Wagyu marbled beef, foie gras slices, truffle oil mayonnaise, Brie de Meaux cheese, rucola salad, pepper and cherry tomatoes.
