Your parents are gone for the day and the unfamiliar responsibility of making lunch or dinner falls on your shoulders. With a little planning and an effortless recipe, you can make a filling and satisfying meal suitable for one.

A deli sandwich is a simple way for those uncomfortable in the kitchen as well as young chefs in the making to prepare a health-conscious meal. With simple ingredients found in most refrigerators and pantries, any kind of sub is sure to appease hungry teens.

The first step to create a delicious deli sandwich rivaling those of Subway: gather all needed ingredients:

2 slices of bread or a hamburger, Kaiser or sourdough bun.
Any deli meat such as turkey, ham, salami, or bologna
Lettuce
Tomato
Cucumber or bell peppers (optional)
Cheese (sliced or shredded)
Salad dressing or mayonnaise and mustard
Pickles or relish (optional)
Salt and pepper
Oil and vinegar (optional)

If desired, toast the bread by setting the oven to a high temperature and leave inside until golden brown. On a cutting board, slice the tomatoes and grate or slice the cheese as desired. Peel lettuce from the head then wash and dry with a paper towel.

Take the bread out of the oven and dress with mayonnaise or mustard. First add the meat, followed by cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, optional vegetables, pickles, salt, pepper and optional dressing. Once all the preferred ingredients are added, get ready for a tasty meal sans the effort!

For a unique twist on this classic, experiment with different ingredients such as a two-meat meal, interesting cheeses or a sweet condiment to counteract the spice in the mustard.

Other suggestions to go with this meal:
-Veggies and Ranch dip
-Potato chips
-Fresh fruit, sliced
-Potato or pasta salad

For more teen-friendly recipes, visit Brittany Shaffer’s Jan. 10 article, Easy, cheesy sandwich flavors independence.