The muffuletta sandwich has been a New Orleans staple for nearly a century. Several Sicilian immigrants lay claim to its invention.
Salvatore Lupo was one of nearly 300,000 Sicilian immigrants who arrived en masse in New Orleans between 1880 and 1920. He opened the Central Grocery in the French Market in 1906 in a section known as “Little Palermo.â€
Lupo is said to have observed other immigrants buying round loaves of bread coated in sesame seeds called muffuletto plus meats, cheeses and olive spread that were sold separately in other shops. They would often try to assemble a meal on the go and Lupo noticed it could be quite messy. He is widely credited for being the first to put all those ingredients on the bread to create a specialty sandwich.
The traditional style muffuletta sandwich contains salami, ham, mortadella, capicola, and Provolone cheese covered with a marinated olive salad. The olive dressing is made of black and green olives, onions, olive oil, and spices. (The olive mixture is now sold in grocery stores, but one can make it at home if desired.)
Today, the muffuletta has gained popularity around the world.
Imaginative cooks have created pasta salads with all the ingredients found in a muffuletta sandwich … minus the bread.
This salad can be customized based on personal preferences. The salad is easy to assemble and is perfect anytime you want a little taste of New Orleans.
Cook pasta according to directions. Drain. Place in a bowl and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
Add the bell pepper, meats, cheese, and olive salad. Mix to combine.
Stir in mayonnaise and vinegar. Add parsley and pepper. Mix to combine.
Before serving, sprinkle sesame seeds over top, if desired.
For questions about recipes or other information, contact Susan Maslowski at mudriverpottery@aol.com or go to metrokanawha.com. Susan also has a Farmer’s Table Facebook page.
