Muffuletta
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The muffuletta (with numerous alternate spellings) is a type of Sicilian bread, as well as a sandwich in New Orleans, Louisiana, which is made with that bread.
The bread is a large, round, and somewhat flat loaf, around 10 inches (25 cm) across. It has a sturdy texture, and is described as being somewhat similar to focaccia.
The muffuletta sandwich originated in 1906 at Central Grocery, which was operated by Salvatore Lupo, a Sicilian immigrant. The sandwich is popular with city natives and visitors, and has been described as "one of the great sandwiches of the world."[1] Central Grocery still serves the sandwich using the original recipe. Other variations are served throughout the city. The locals have differing opinions on which shop serves the best muffuletta.
A typical muffuletta consists of one muffuletta loaf, split horizontally. The loaf is then covered with a marinated olive salad, then layers of capicola, salami, mortadella, emmantaler, and provolone. The sandwich is sometimes heated through to soften the provolone.[2]
The olive salad is considered the heart of the sandwich, and consists primarily of olives, along with celery, cauliflower, and carrot. The ingredients are combined, seasonings are added, covered in olive oil and allowed to combine for at least 24 hours. Prepared olive salad for muffulettas can also be bought by the jar in New Orleans grocery stores.[3]
The muffuletta is the signature sandwich at the Jason's Deli chain[4] and also at Murphy's Deli[5]. Schlotzsky's chain of restaurants features sandwiches using sourdough muffuletta bread.
[edit] Highlights
- One "Muff" is more than enough to feed two people. Many local stores sell muffulettas as quarter or half sandwiches for individual consumption.
- Like many of the foreign-influenced names found in New Orleans, the pronunciation of "muffuletta" has evolved from its phonetic forebear. Locals pronounce the word "muff-uh-LOT-uh." The proprietors of Central Grocery pronounce it "moo-foo-LET-ta."
- Another version of the muffuletta, called the "Muffy," can only be found in Shreveport, Louisiana. It was created by Sam R. Fertitta at Fertitta's Delicatessen in Shreveport in 1960. The name "Muffy" is a United States registered trademark. The only real similarity between the the muffuletta and the Muffy is the use of muffuletta bread. The Muffy is made with mustard instead of olive oil, various American-style cold-cut meats, a special house blend of cheeses, is heated, and topped with the Fertitta family's olive salad. The Fertitta family's olive salad is also very different from that which is found on the muffuletta. It is a finely chopped blend of several ingredients, which are a closely guarded secret recipe belonging to the family. [1]
[edit] References
- ^ The muffuletta sandwich. The Gumbo Pages. Retrieved on April 19, 2006.
- ^ Florio, Donna. "Muffulettas", Southern Living, January 2004. Retrieved on April 19, 2006.
- ^ Where to get Creole/Cajun ingredients. The Gumbo Pages. Retrieved on April 19, 2006.
- ^ In-store menu (PDF). Jason's Deli. Retrieved on April 19, 2006.
- ^ In-store menu. Murphy's Muffalettas.
