Across Europe, particularly in France and Italy, the tradition of Mardi Gras, Martedi Grasso or Carnival has provided a festive prelude to Lenten fasting for hundreds of years. The ancient celebration originated as a last night of eating rich, fatty foods before forswearing them for the next forty days. In fact, the very word carnival comes from the Latin “Carne vale”, meaning “farewell to meat”.
While Mardi Gras isn’t widely observed in the United States, there is one city that is virtually synonymous with the holiday, New Orleans. New Orleans’ French Quarter has been home to the biggest American Mardi Gras parade since the 1800’s and it is one of the city’s most treasured traditions.
Another American tradition born in the French Quarter, the Muffuletta sandwich is a true New Orleans classic and an important part of any Mardi Gras party. This legendary sandwich was invented at one of the city’s oldest markets, the Central Grocery. Sicilian immigrants working at the nearby farmer’s market would buy salami, ham, cheese, olive salad and Muffuletta bread (a soft round loaf that the sandwich takes its name from) and eat them separately. The owner of the grocery suggested they cut the bread and combine all of the various antipasti inside like a sandwich, and the Muffuletta sandwich was born.
Divina Muffuletta Salad is inspired both by the distinct, fresh ingredients of the original Muffuletta sandwich and the bold spirit of cultural exchange and culinary innovation that went into its creation. This Mardi Gras, we’re celebrating with a new, creative use of our Muffuletta Mix by cooking up these delicious Muffuletta pizzas with provolone and salami. Happy Mardi Gras and laissez les bon temps rouler!
FAQs
History. The muffuletta bread has origins in Sicily, Italy. The muffuletta sandwich is said to have been created in 1906 at Central Grocery Co. on Decatur Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S., by its delicatessen owner Salvatore Lupo, a Sicilian immigrant.
What does muffaletta mean in Italian? ›
ORIGINS. The muffuletta (or muffoletta, moffoletta, muffoletto, muffulietta, depending on the dialect) derives its name from Sicilian dialect that means 'soft and spongy bread'. This soft round bun is so versatile and many locals use it as a sandwich to fill with local hams and cheeses.
What is the original muffuletta sandwich? ›
The classic New Orleans sandwich combines a homemade olive salad with layers of thin-sliced Italian cold cuts. Muffulettas are nothing like the super-band of the sandwich world.
What is a fun fact about muffuletta? ›
This legendary sandwich was invented at one of the city's oldest markets, the Central Grocery. Sicilian immigrants working at the nearby farmer's market would buy salami, ham, cheese, olive salad and Muffuletta bread (a soft round loaf that the sandwich takes its name from) and eat them separately.
What is a muffaletta in Spanish to English? ›
Meaning of muffuletta in English
a thick sandwich made from round bread filled with cold meats, cheese, and olives, originally from New Orleans, or the bread it is made from: The menu includes muffulettas, salads, and soups.
What's the difference between a po boy and a muffuletta? ›
Po Boy's are oblong shape like a hot dog but bigger with good fresh NOLA bread. Traditional ingredients are shrimp, oysters, roast beef and a couple dozen other items. A muffaletta is round but filled with a oily olive salad. Po boys usually have lettuce, tomatoes and etc.
What is a good substitute for muffuletta bread? ›
The bread: Traditionally in New Orleans, muffaletta is made on a round, soft-crust, medium-dense bread with sesame seeds on top. Since that bread is not found all over, you can substitute a focaccia or a ciabatta bread.
Should a muffaletta be served hot or cold? ›
Is a Muffuletta Served Hot or Cold? Throughout New Orleans, you'll find muffulettas served either warm or cold, depending on the restaurant. The most famous spot for a muffuletta — Central Grocery — serves cold-style muffulettas to highlight the Italian cold cuts, while others, like Napoleon House, serve it warm.
Is Giardiniera the same as muffaletta? ›
Muffaletta is a chopped, relish-like condiment featuring many olives and crisp pickled vegetables. Its texture is more like a bruschetta or tapenade. Giardiniera, on the other hand, is a mix of cauliflower florets, carrots, bell peppers and celery, which may or may not include olives.
Is Schlotzsky's original a muffaletta? ›
In 1971, Don and Dolores Dissman founded the company in a "small, hole-in-the-wall shop" in Austin, Texas, on South Congress. The initial menu consisted of one sandwich, called "The Original," consisting of mixed meats, cheeses and black olives on a freshly made, toasted bun." It was based on the muffuletta sandwich.
What to Serve With Muffuletta Sandwiches. Enjoy it like a true New Orleanians by serving it with onion rings or seasoned fries, coleslaw or potato salad, and fried pickles. If you'd like healthier options, try baked potato wedges, roasted asparagus, and a side of lentil soup.
What is muffuletta spread made of? ›
Flavourful Olive Salad blended with cream cheese, sour cream and mortadella makes a delicious and versatile spread that you will use in so many summer dishes.
Who invented muffaletta? ›
Who invented the muffaletta? Sicilians have been moving to New Orleans since the 1800s, and bringing flavorful Italian dishes with them. One sicilian in particular, Lupo Salvadore, opened Central Grocery in 1906 in the French Quarter, and with it, introduced the muffaletta.
Is muffuletta better hot or cold? ›
Is a Muffuletta Served Hot or Cold? Throughout New Orleans, you'll find muffulettas served either warm or cold, depending on the restaurant. The most famous spot for a muffuletta — Central Grocery — serves cold-style muffulettas to highlight the Italian cold cuts, while others, like Napoleon House, serve it warm.
Who made the first Italian sandwich? ›
Giovanni Amato, a grocer in Portland, Maine claims to have invented the "Italian sandwich". While selling his bread on his street cart, Amato received requests from dockworkers to slice his long bread rolls and add sliced meat, cheese and vegetables to them.
