The perfect and portable all-in-one picnic treat to make picnics simple!
The origins of the world-renowned muffaletta sandwich can be traced back to the vibrant culinary landscape of Sicily. This iconic dish has its roots in the heart of Italian culture, specifically in the city of Palermo, where the aromas of Mediterranean herbs and the essence of traditional Italian cooking intertwine. The story of the muffaletta unfolds against the backdrop of Sicily's rich heritage, offering a glimpse into the culinary traditions that have shaped this beloved dish.
A Taste of Sicilian Tradition
The name "muffaletta" is believed to be derived from the Sicilian bread variety known as "muffoletto." This round, sturdy bread served as the perfect foundation for the creation of a substantial and flavourful sandwich. The concept of the muffaletta was born out of the Sicilian tradition of packing various meats, cheeses, and tangy olive relish into a loaf of bread to create a hearty and portable meal for labourers and workers in the bustling markets of Palermo.
To capture the essence of the authentic Sicilian muffaletta it's essential to start with a round loaf of hearty Italian bread, such as pane pugliese or ciabatta. For the luscious olive relish, assemble green and black olives, capers, garlic, parsley, and a blend of olive oil and red wine vinegar. When it comes to the meats and cheeses, opt for high-quality mortadella, salami, ham, provolone, and mozzarella to ensure an exquisite flavour profile that reflects the Sicilian culinary heritage.
Ingredients:1 round loaf of Italian bread (pane pugliese or ciabatta)100g pitted green olives, chopped100g pitted black olives, chopped2 tablespoons capers, chopped2 garlic cloves, minced50g flat-leaf parsley, chopped3 tablespoons olive oil1 tablespoon red wine vinegar4 slices mortadella4 slices salami4 slices parma ham4 slices provolone cheese1 ball mozzarella cheese2-4 handfuls of rocket50g fresh basil leaves2-3 ripe tomatoes, sliced
Instructions:
• In a bowl, combine the green olives, black olives, capers, garlic, parsley, olive oil, and red wine vinegar to create the olive relish.
• Slice a hole in the top of the loaf of bread big enough to put your hand in and hollow out some of the soft interior to make room for the filling
• Spread a generous layer of the olive relish on the bottom of the hollow loaf.
• Layer the mortadella, salami, ham, provolone, rocket, tomatoes, fresh basil and mozzarella on top of the olive relish.
• Top with the remaining olive mixture and replace the top piece of the bread into the hole over the layered ingredients and press down gently.
• Wrap the sandwich tightly in baking paper and let it rest for at least an hour to allow the flavours to mingle. For a firmer loaf store in the fridges with a weighted plate placed on top.
• When ready to eat unwrap the sandwich, cut it into wedges like a cake, and savour the delightful flavours of the Sicilian muffaletta!
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