A Perfect Muffuletta Recipe for the New Orleans Favorite

If you’ve ever visited New Orleans, you’ve probably heard of the muffuletta sandwich. This iconic sandwich is a delectable combination of Italian meats, cheese, and tangy olive salad, packed between two halves of a soft Sicilian sesame bread. It’s a hearty and delicious treat that perfectly captures the flavors of the Crescent City. In this article, we’ll walk you through a perfect muffuletta recipe that you can recreate at home.

Ingredients

For the Olive Salad:
– 100g (¾ cup) green olives, chopped
– 100g (¾ cup) black olives, chopped
– 1 small jar of giardiniera (pickled Italian vegetables), drained and chopped
– 1 tablespoon capers
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Salt and pepper to taste

For the Sandwich:
– 1 round loaf of Sicilian bread or Italian bread, approximately 25cm (10 inches) in diameter
– 150g (5 ounces) mortadella, thinly sliced
– 150g (5 ounces) salami, thinly sliced
– 150g (5 ounces) ham, thinly sliced
– 150g (5 ounces) provolone cheese, thinly sliced

Directions

1. To make the olive salad, combine the chopped green olives, black olives, giardiniera, capers, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well to ensure all the flavors are evenly distributed. Set aside to marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Slice the round loaf of bread in half horizontally, creating a top and bottom. Hollow out some of the bread from the bottom half to create a shallow indentation for the filling.

3. Spread a generous amount of the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread, making sure to cover the entire surface.

4. Layer the mortadella, salami, ham, and provolone cheese on top of the olive salad. Ensure that the filling is evenly distributed across the bread.

5. Place the top half of the bread over the filling and press down gently to compress the sandwich. Wrap the sandwich tightly in foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.

6. Just before serving, preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Unwrap the sandwich from the foil and place it on a baking sheet. Heat in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and the bread is slightly toasted.

7. Once heated, remove the muffuletta from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Slice into wedges and serve.

Notes/Tips

• The olive salad is the key ingredient in a muffuletta sandwich, so make sure to use good quality olives and giardiniera for the best flavor.
• If you can’t find Sicilian bread, Italian bread works well as a substitute. You can also use a large round focaccia or ciabatta loaf.

Conclusion

The muffuletta sandwich is an irresistible New Orleans classic that you can now enjoy right in your own kitchen. With its layers of flavorful Italian meats, cheese, and tangy olive salad, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends. So, gather the ingredients, follow our recipe, and savor the taste of New Orleans with this perfect muffuletta sandwich.

FAQ

1. Can I make the olive salad in advance?
Definitely! In fact, the olive salad tastes even better when it has time to marinate and the flavors have a chance to meld together. You can prepare the olive salad a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to make the sandwich.

2. Can I customize the meats and cheese in the sandwich?
Absolutely. While the traditional muffuletta recipe calls for mortadella, salami, ham, and provolone cheese, you can experiment with different combinations based on your preferences. Some popular variations include adding pastrami, turkey, or even roast beef.

3. Can I make a smaller muffuletta sandwich?
If you’re serving a smaller crowd or prefer individual portions, you can certainly make mini muffuletta sandwiches. Simply use smaller bread rounds and adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.

4. Can I add additional toppings to the sandwich?
While the classic muffuletta is simple with just the olive salad and meat and cheese fillings, you can personalize your sandwich by adding toppings like lettuce, tomato slices, or even roasted red peppers. Get creative and make it your own!

Happy cooking and bon appétit!