People typically think of the French influence on the food of New Orleans, but we have the Sicilian population to thank for one of the city’s iconic dishes, the muffuletta. Created at Central Grocery in 1906, this sandwich has changed very little in the last century. It takes the typical components of an Italian antipasti plate – cured meats, cheese and olives – and layers them in an olive oil loaf. Toasted or eaten straight from the fridge, the muffuletta has been called one of the world’s best sandwiches, and I’d have to agree.
The recipe below makes twice as much olive salad as you need, but the remainder will keep well, tightly covered, in the fridge.