Muffuletta

Muffuletta is a type of sandwich that originated in New Orleans, Louisiana, in the United States. It is known for its unique combination of meats, cheeses, and a marinated olive salad.

History

The muffuletta sandwich was first created in the early 20th century by Italian immigrants in New Orleans. The name "muffuletta" refers to the type of bread used to make the sandwich, which is a round, Sicilian sesame bread. The sandwich was popularized by the Central Grocery Store in the French Quarter of New Orleans, where it continues to be a staple menu item.

Ingredients

A traditional muffuletta sandwich consists of a muffuletta loaf split horizontally and covered with layers of marinated olive salad, mortadella, salami, mozzarella, ham, and provolone. The exact ingredients can vary, but the olive salad is a defining characteristic of the sandwich.

Variations

There are many variations of the muffuletta sandwich. Some versions use different types of bread, while others add additional ingredients like roast beef or turkey. There are also vegetarian versions of the muffuletta that substitute the meat with ingredients like eggplant or zucchini.

Cultural Significance

The muffuletta sandwich is an important part of New Orleans' culinary culture. It is often served at celebrations and festivals, and is a popular choice for Mardi Gras.

See Also

• List of sandwiches
• Cuisine of New Orleans
• Italian-American cuisine