The rich and diverse culinary scene of New Orleans harnesses extraordinary Mercedes from its mix of cultures and historical influences. Among the many gastronomic delights the city has to offer, the New Orleans muffuletta stands out as a classic. While there are several versions of this iconic sandwich available in the Big Easy, this recipe will help you create the perfect homemade version to delight your taste buds.
What is a Muffuletta?
Originating from the heart of New Orleans, a muffuletta is a type of circular sandwich packed with an assortment of deli meats, cheeses, and a distinct olive salad, giving it a uniquely bold flavor. The sandwich gets its peculiar name from the large, round, and crispy loaf of Sicilian bread it’s made with.
Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make a traditional New Orleans muffuletta:
For the Olive Salad:
• 1 cup pimento-stuffed green olives, chopped
• 1 cup black olives, chopped
• 1 cup Giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon capers
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup olive oil
For the Muffuletta:
• 1 large round Italian bread loaf
• 1/4 pound ham, thinly sliced
• 1/4 pound Genoa salami, thinly sliced
• 1/4 pound mortadella, thinly sliced
• 1/4 pound provolone cheese, thinly sliced
• 1/4 pound mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced
Instructions
1. Start by preparing the olive salad. Combine all the ingredients for the olive salad in a large bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together.
2. After the olive salad is nicely mixed and chilled, move onto assembling the muffuletta. Slice the bread loaf horizontally. Hollow out some of the soft bread in the center to make room for your fillings.
3. Spread a generous layer of the olive salad including the oil onto both halves of the bread.
4. Arrange the deli meats and cheeses evenly onto the bottom half of the bread. Top with the remaining bread half.
5. Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and let sit for about an hour before serving. This allows the oil from the salad to seep into the bread and mingle with the flavors of the meat and cheese.
Relish this classic New Orleans muffuletta with a cold beer or a glass of lemonade and let each bite transport you to the vibrant streets of New Orleans. Whether it’s for a quick lunch, picnic, or a family gathering, this flavorful and hearty sandwich is sure to tantalize your taste buds and fill your stomach. Enjoy the discovery of a timeless recipe that brilliantly captures the spirit of New Orleans’ vibrant food culture.
Remember, the true essence of this much-loved sandwich lies in the olive salad. Don’t skimp on the marinating time. The longer it melds, the better the flavors will be. However, the real secret is to make it with love, just like the Italians in New Orleans have been doing for years.
