The Muffuletta is a hallmark of New Orleans cuisine, originating from the Italian immigrants of the city. This substantial sandwich is known for its unique combination of cured meats, cheese, and a distinctive olive salad, all piled high on a large, round, and sturdy Italian loaf. The key to an authentic Muffuletta lies in the olive salad, a tangy mix of olives, pickled vegetables, garlic, and herbs marinated in olive oil. Perfect for picnics, gatherings, or any meal where you want a taste of New Orleans.
Ingredients:
For the Olive Salad:
- 1 cup green olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
- 1/2 cup pickled cauliflower florets, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup pickled carrots, coarsely chopped
- 1/4 cup pickled celery, coarsely chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers, rinsed and drained
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Sandwich:
- 1 large round Italian loaf (about 10 inches in diameter)
- 1/4 pound salami, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound ham, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound mortadella, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound provolone cheese, thinly sliced
- 1/4 pound mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
Directions:
- Prepare the Olive Salad: In a large bowl, combine the green olives, Kalamata olives, pickled cauliflower, carrots, celery, capers, garlic, parsley, and oregano. Stir in the olive oil and red wine vinegar until everything is well coated. Season with salt and black pepper. Cover and let the salad marinate in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Assemble the Sandwich: Slice the Italian loaf in half horizontally. Scoop out some of the bread from the inside to make room for the filling.
- Spread a generous layer of the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread, including some of the oil.
- Layer the salami, ham, mortadella, provolone, and mozzarella cheese over the olive salad.
- Top with the remaining olive salad and its oil.
- Place the top half of the bread on top and press down gently to compact the sandwich.
- To Serve: For the best flavor, let the assembled Muffuletta sit for about an hour before serving. This allows the bread to absorb the flavors of the olive salad and the oil. Cut into wedges and serve.
Nutrition Facts (per serving):
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 40g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Protein: 25g
Prep and Cooking Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating time for the olive salad)
- Cooking Time: 0 minutes
Servings:
- Serves: 4-6 people
The Classic Muffuletta is not just a sandwich; it’s a vibrant mosaic of flavors that showcases the rich culinary heritage of New Orleans. Enjoy this iconic dish with friends and family for a truly memorable meal.
