muffuletta
~muffuletta~
Yesterday was one of those days that was perfect for a picnic so I decided to get up early and make a muffuletta sandwich. This is an Italian delicacy that actually originated in New Orleans at a little place called Central Grocery. They have a specific way of making the sandwich, but as you can probably imagine, there are a lot of different versions out there. This is a fun recipe to play with and adjust to your tastes. A muffuletta is a lovely take-along sandwich. Pack one in a cooler and bring it to the beach, on a road trip or a camping trip…or do what we did…Set up a picnic scene under a big oak tree in the dappled light, sip wine, read some poetry and take a nap on a mooshy quilt.
To assemble muffuletta:
Buy a large Tuscan boule
and hollow it out so a 1/2 inch wall of bread remains
brush the inside liberally with balsamic vinaigrette
a couple minced cloves of garlic
and sprinkle with salt and pepper
layer smoked ham or proscuitto…
fresh buffalo mozzarella…
thinly sliced hothouse cucumbers and another drizzle of vinaigrette…
pepperoni and/or capicola, mortadella and salami…
fresh basil leaves…
fried bacon or pancetta, crumbled…
purple onion…
roasted red pepper, roma tomato, fresh oregano and thyme…
sliced green olives or olive salad, more vinaigrette, salt & pepper…
more smoked ham or proscuitto…
press down to compact ingredients…top with bread “cap”…
press down again. wrap tightly in plastic wrap…
place on a plate and weigh down with the lid of a cast iron dutch oven
(or something heavy.)
Chill in refrigerator for at least 3 hours or overnight.
Enjoy!
~Melissa
Your recipes never cease to amaze me!!
Thanks Kimber. That is so sweet of you to say!
Melissa, I am way beyond impressed! Seriouly! I’ve had a whole lotta muffulettas in my day (including Central Grocery) as I live in the “Greater NOLA area”. And still, just as I commented on FB, what I really want is a good chunk of yours. Now! My hat is off to you 🙂 And BTW I have Sumptuous Spoonfuls to thank for sending me in your direction. I’m sooooooooo glad!
Oh my gosh! What a sweet message! It’s a great sandwich, and really fun to put together. I like to make them for picnics 🙂 I’m headed over to your site right now. Don’t ya just love Ann? (Sumptuous Spoonfuls) What a great lady. xoxo
Yes indeed, I DO love Ann! I’m doing my best to spend more time just blog hopping and soaking up all the great recipes and food photography. It’s a genuine pleasure 🙂
I think so too! Great fun 😉 Thanks again! xoxo
http://www.mysanfranciscokitchen.com/tasty-thursday-1/
This is amazing! You share and conceive the best recipes out there. Thanks:)
Hello there Jacqueline! I’m so pleased you’re enjoying my recipes. That makes me so happy! Thanks for visiting and leaving such sweet, complimentary comments! 🙂 You made my day! XO
I tried your recipe out with a very nice bottle of wine and even nicer company…it was awesome!!! Thanks so much!
Hi Susan! I’m so pleased you like the recipe 🙂 Thanks for visiting and for leaving a comment! XO
trying to make the links work…interested in the history, but they go to ads 🙁 I cannot wait to make this!!! Now to find someone to share it with 🙂
enjoy, Eva! 🙂
I looked and looked and LOOKED at this post, then finally called my husband over to see it. We scrolled through it again and I kid you not, when I reached the bottom he tried to tell me how good it was and actually drooled. I laughed, but I was pretty close to the same situation. Oh man, Melissa – this is a work of art.
Yay! Thanks for the sweet comment and compliment, Lorinda! XO ~M