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Grilled Foccacia Muffaletta Sandwich!
Ingredients:
– 1 Foccacia Bun
– 2 teaspoons Sundried Tomato Pesto
– 2 ounces Salami, thinly sliced
– 2 ounces Genoa Salami, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup Quick-Pickled Marinated Vegetables
– 2 tablespoons Hummus
– 2 ounces Provolone Cheese, thinly sliced
– 2 teaspoons Olive Oil
– Salt and Pepper, to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Spread the pesto over both cut sides of the focaccia bun.
3. Place the salami and genoa salami on the bottom half of the focaccia and top with the marinated vegetables.
4. Drizzle the hummus over the vegetables and top with the provolone and top bun.
5. Brush the olive oil on the top bun and place the sandwich in the heated skillet, oil-side down.
6. Weight down the sandwich with a heavy lid or pan and let it cook for 5 minutes.
7. Use the lid to flip the sandwich, and cook an additional 5 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper, and serve.

Nutrition (per sandwich): 987 calories, 54.9g fat, 99.5g carbohydrates, 34.7g protein

Beer Pairing: For this flavorful and intense sandwich, pair it with a light, crisp beer such as a kölsch.

The History of Grilled Foccacia Muffaletta Sandwich

The famous Grilled Foccacia Muffaletta Sandwich is an Italian-American creation said to be invented in New Orleans in the early 1900’s. Widely regarded as a classic sandwich of the Big Easy, it was created by Sicilian immigrants who ran several grocery stores in the French Quarter and developed a unique recipe inspired by the city’s culture and history.

Invented by the latter-day “paisans,” the sandwich is rumored to have been inspired by the muffaletta sandwich of Italy. Instead of using the traditional big round roll, New Orleanians substituted it with a large flatbread wrap made of focaccia. The resulting fusion sandwich with its bold flavor of Italian cold cuts and olive salad have since been popular in many restaurants and deli shops throughout the city and beyond.

Where it is Popular

The Grilled Foccacia Muffaletta Sandwich is particularly popular in the New Orleans area, though it is also available in select eateries throughout the United States and beyond. Eating establishments offering variations of the iconic sandwich can be found in other Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and southern Texas cities, as well as in some parts of Canada and Europe. Other places that regularly serve the sandwich are popular tourist destinations such as Las Vegas, Disney World, and Universal Studios.

Ingredients that can be Substituted

The classic Grilled Foccacia Muffaletta Sandwich recipe calls for a few basic ingredients, including salami, ham, capicola (Italian ham), mortadella, provolone and mozzarella cheeses, and giardiniera (Italian hot pepper mix). However, there are a variety of ingredients that can be substituted in the sandwich, such as substituting a different type of cold cut meat or cheese, or omitting the olives altogether. Some recipes substitute focaccia with regular French or Italian bread, and other recipes add additional ingredients like diced bell pepper, basil, or pesto.

Interesting Facts

The famous Grilled Foccacia Muffaletta Sandwich was mentioned in several popular TV shows, including Seinfeld and The Simpsons. In 2020, the sandwich was listed by Food Network as one of the 101 Dishes to Eat in New Orleans Before You Die. The sandwich can be quite filling; some have described the sandwich with exclamation “It’s almost like a pizza in a sandwich.”

Conclusion

The Grilled Foccacia Muffaletta Sandwich is a classic Italian-American sandwich with a history rooted in the Big Easy. The sandwich is popular in many places and can include a variety of ingredients for a customized result. With interesting facts such as its mention in popular TV shows, the sandwich has become a beloved classic of many locals and visitors alike.

Muffuletta- Wikipedia

Foccacia- Wikipedia