Classic Italian Muffuletta Sandwich (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Olive Salad
01 -
1 cup green olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
02 -
1 cup black olives, pitted and coarsely chopped
03 -
1/2 cup giardiniera (Italian pickled vegetables), drained and coarsely chopped
04 -
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
05 -
1/4 cup capers, drained
06 -
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
07 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
08 -
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
09 -
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
10 -
1 teaspoon dried oregano
11 -
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
12 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ For the Sandwich
13 -
1 large round Italian sesame seed bread (about 25 cm in diameter)
14 -
115 g thinly sliced mortadella
15 -
115 g thinly sliced salami
16 -
115 g thinly sliced capicola
17 -
115 g thinly sliced provolone cheese
18 -
115 g thinly sliced mozzarella cheese
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, giardiniera, roasted red peppers, capers, celery, and garlic. Add the olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Season with freshly ground black pepper. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
02 -
Slice the round bread loaf in half horizontally. If necessary, remove some of the interior crumb to create space for the fillings. Spread half of the prepared olive salad evenly over the bottom half of the bread. Layer the mortadella, salami, capicola, provolone, and mozzarella over the olive salad. Distribute the remaining olive salad over the meats and cheeses. Place the top half of the bread over the fillings and press down firmly to compact the sandwich.
03 -
Wrap the assembled sandwich tightly in plastic wrap. Place under a heavy skillet or pan and press for at least 30 minutes. Unwrap and use a sharp knife to cut into wedges. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
# Notes:
01 -
The muffuletta improves with time as flavors meld, making it ideal for preparing several hours ahead of serving.
02 -
Traditional muffuletta is served at room temperature, but can be lightly toasted if preferred.