Authentic Italian-American Muffuletta

Ingredients

• 1 round loaf of Sicilian bread (500g) 1 round loaf of Sicilian bread (500g)
• 150g salami, thinly sliced 150g salami, thinly sliced
• 150g mortadella, thinly sliced 150g mortadella, thinly sliced
• 150g ham, thinly sliced 150g ham, thinly sliced
• 150g provolone cheese, thinly sliced 150g provolone cheese, thinly sliced
• 1 cup (150g) mixed olives, pitted and chopped 1 cup (150g) mixed olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup (75g) pickled vegetables, chopped 1/2 cup (75g) pickled vegetables, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons olive oil 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper to taste
• Lettuce leaves, for garnish Lettuce leaves, for garnish

Nutrition

• Calories: 450 kcal / 1880 KJ
• Fat: 28g (Saturated Fat: 10g)
• Carbohydrates: 30g (Sugars: 2g)
• Protein: 20g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 2g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Slice the Sicilian bread loaf horizontally, creating a top and bottom half.
2. 2.
   In a bowl, combine the olives, pickled vegetables, minced garlic, parsley, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well to make the olive salad.
3. 3.
   Spread a generous amount of the olive salad on the bottom half of the bread.
4. 4.
   Layer the salami, mortadella, ham, and provolone cheese on top of the olive salad.
5. 5.
   Place the top half of the bread on the layered ingredients.
6. 6.
   Wrap the sandwich tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. 7.
   Before serving, remove the plastic wrap and cut the Muffuletta into wedges.
8. 8.
   Garnish with lettuce leaves and serve.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sicilian bread — If you can't find Sicilian bread, you can use a round loaf of Italian bread or a ciabatta loaf as a substitute. The key is to choose a bread with a sturdy crust and a soft interior.
• Olives — Feel free to use a variety of olives such as Kalamata, green, or black olives to add depth of flavor to the olive salad.
• Pickled vegetables — You can use a mix of pickled vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and peppers. If you prefer a milder flavor, rinse the pickled vegetables before chopping.
• Provolone cheese — If you're not a fan of provolone, you can substitute it with mozzarella or another mild cheese of your choice.
• Lettuce — Choose a crisp lettuce variety like romaine or iceberg for a refreshing crunch in each bite.

Tips & Tricks

• Pressing the sandwich: To achieve the perfect texture and meld the flavors together, place a heavy object (such as a cast-iron skillet) on top of the wrapped sandwich while it chills in the refrigerator.
• Make-ahead: The Muffuletta can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes it a great option for picnics or gatherings.
• Bread freshness: If your bread is slightly stale, you can lightly brush the cut sides with olive oil and toast them in a skillet before assembling the sandwich to enhance the flavor and texture.

Serving advice

Serve the Muffuletta as a whole sandwich and cut it into wedges just before serving. It pairs well with a side of potato chips or a simple green salad.

Presentation advice

To showcase the vibrant colors of the Muffuletta, present it on a wooden cutting board or a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs and serve with a side of the olive salad for extra tanginess.