New Orleans Muffuletta

New Orleans Muffuletta Recipe - Italian and American Delight

Region / culture: Italy, USA | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Servings: 4-6

Introduction

The New Orleans Muffuletta is a classic sandwich that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana. It is a delicious and hearty sandwich that is perfect for a picnic or a quick and easy meal.

History

The Muffuletta sandwich was created in 1906 by Salvatore Lupo, the owner of Central Grocery in New Orleans. The sandwich was named after the round Sicilian bread that is used to make it. The Muffuletta quickly became a popular dish in New Orleans and is now a staple in the city's cuisine.

Ingredients

1 (16 oz) jar mixed pickled vegetables, drained, finely chopped
0.5 cup finely chopped stuffed green olives
1 (4.25 oz) can chopped pitted ripe olives
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp finely chopped fresh garlic

= Sandwich

1 (1 lb) unsliced round italian bread
0.25 lb thinly sliced deli turkey
4 slices (0.75 oz each) deli Land o Lakes® american cheese
0.25 lb thinly sliced deli hard salami
4 slices (0.75 oz each) deli Land o Lakes® provolone cheese

How to prepare

In a medium bowl, combine pickled vegetables, green olives, ripe olives, olive oil, and garlic; mix well.
Set the mixture aside.
Cut the bread in half horizontally and remove the bread in the center, leaving 0.5 inch thick bread shells.
Divide the olive mixture between the bread shells and press firmly.
Layer the bottom bread shell with turkey, American cheese, salami, and provolone cheese.
Carefully place the remaining bread shell on top.
Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic food wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
To serve, secure the sandwich with toothpicks.
Cut the sandwich into wedges.

Variations

You can customize the sandwich by adding different meats such as ham or roast beef.
You can also add additional toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, or pickles for extra flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to finely chop the pickled vegetables and olives for the olive mixture to ensure even distribution of flavors.

- Pressing the olive mixture firmly into the bread shells helps to keep the sandwich together and prevents it from falling apart.

- Refrigerating the sandwich for at least 2 hours or overnight allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the taste of the sandwich.

Serving Suggestions

The Muffuletta is best served cold, making it a great option for picnics, parties, or as a quick and easy meal.

Cooking Techniques

Pressing the olive mixture firmly into the bread shells helps to keep the sandwich together.

- Wrapping the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerating it allows the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of deli meat or cheese that you prefer in this recipe.

- If you don't have Italian bread, you can use a round loaf of French bread instead.

Make Ahead Tips

The Muffuletta can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Cut the sandwich into wedges and serve on a platter for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

The Muffuletta pairs well with a side of potato salad, coleslaw, or a bowl of soup.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Muffuletta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place the sandwich in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of the Muffuletta contains approximately 500 calories.

Carbohydrates

The New Orleans Muffuletta contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.

Fats

The sandwich has about 25 grams of fat per serving.

Proteins

Each serving of the Muffuletta provides around 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

The sandwich is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains wheat (bread) and dairy (cheese) allergens.

Summary

The New Orleans Muffuletta is a balanced meal that provides a good amount of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

The New Orleans Muffuletta is a delicious and hearty sandwich that is perfect for any occasion. With its flavorful olive mixture and layers of deli meats and cheeses, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy this classic New Orleans dish today!

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I knew it was something I had to try. It was a hot summer day in New Orleans, and I was wandering through the bustling French Quarter when I stumbled upon a small deli tucked away in a quiet alley. The enticing aroma of freshly baked bread and savory meats filled the air, drawing me closer to the storefront.

As I peered through the window, I saw a group of people sitting at a long wooden table, laughing and chatting while indulging in massive sandwiches piled high with layers of assorted meats, cheeses, and olives. My mouth watered at the sight, and I knew I had to find out more about this delicious creation.

I entered the deli and approached the counter, where a friendly woman with a twinkle in her eye greeted me. “Welcome, cher,” she said in a thick Cajun accent. “Would you like to try our famous Muffuletta sandwich?”

I nodded eagerly, and she quickly set to work assembling a massive sandwich on a round loaf of crusty Italian bread. She piled on layers of Genoa salami, ham, mortadella, provolone cheese, and a tangy olive salad made with chopped green olives, celery, garlic, and herbs. As she pressed the sandwich together and cut it into wedges, she explained the history of the Muffuletta.

“It was originally created by Italian immigrants here in New Orleans,” she said, her eyes sparkling with pride. “They wanted to make a sandwich that would feed a crowd and satisfy their hungry appetites. So they came up with this masterpiece, and it’s been a local favorite ever since.”

I took a bite of the sandwich, and the flavors exploded in my mouth. The salty meats, creamy cheese, and tangy olive salad mingled together perfectly, creating a symphony of taste that I had never experienced before. I knew then and there that I had to learn how to make this incredible sandwich for myself.

I begged the woman for the recipe, but she just laughed and shook her head. “Sorry, cher,” she said. “It’s a closely guarded secret passed down through generations. But if you’re willing to put in the time and effort, I’m sure you can figure it out on your own.”

Determined to crack the code, I spent the next few weeks researching Muffuletta recipes, experimenting with different combinations of meats and cheeses, and perfecting my own version of the olive salad. Finally, after much trial and error, I had a sandwich that rivaled the one I had tasted in that little deli in New Orleans.

I proudly presented my creation to my family, who devoured it with gusto and declared it a triumph. From that day on, the Muffuletta became a staple in our household, a special treat reserved for birthdays, holidays, and lazy Sunday afternoons.

Over the years, I continued to refine my recipe, tweaking the proportions of meats and cheeses, experimenting with different types of bread, and adding my own unique twist to the olive salad. Each time I made a Muffuletta, it brought back memories of that hot summer day in New Orleans and the kind woman who had inspired me to create something truly special.

Now, as I sit here in my kitchen, surrounded by the aromas of garlic, herbs, and cured meats, I can’t help but smile at the thought of all the joy and satisfaction this sandwich has brought me over the years. The Muffuletta may have originated in New Orleans, but it has found a permanent place in my heart and my recipe book, a testament to the power of good food and the joy of sharing it with the ones you love.