The Muffuletta Sandwich is a classic New Orleans creation known for its bold flavors and hearty composition. Originally created by Italian immigrants, this sandwich features layers of cured meats, tangy cheeses, and a distinctive olive salad, all packed into a round loaf of Italian bread. The olive salad, with its mix of green and black olives, pickled vegetables, and herbs, is the star of the show, infusing the sandwich with a zesty and savory punch. Perfect for picnics, parties, or a satisfying lunch, the Muffuletta is best enjoyed after resting, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Ingredients:
- For the Olive Salad:
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
- 1 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), chopped
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers, drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Sandwich:
- 1 large round loaf of Italian or French bread
- 1/4 pound mortadella, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound salami, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound ham, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
Instructions:
- Make the Olive Salad:
- In a medium bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, capers, and minced garlic.
- Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper flakes. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Bread:
- Slice the round loaf of bread in half horizontally.
- Hollow out some of the bread from the inside to create space for the filling.
- Assemble the Sandwich:
- Spread half of the olive salad evenly over the bottom half of the bread.
- Layer the mortadella, salami, ham, provolone, and mozzarella on top of the olive salad.
- Spread the remaining olive salad over the top half of the bread.
- Combine and Rest:
- Place the top half of the bread over the layered ingredients, pressing down gently.
- Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and let it rest for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour. This allows the flavors to blend and the bread to absorb some of the dressing.
- Serve:
- Slice the Muffuletta into wedges and serve at room temperature.
Enjoy your Muffuletta Sandwich, a delightful and flavorful slice of New Orleans tradition!
