Muffuletta is a Sicilian-American sandwich that originated among the Italian immigrant population in New Orleans, Louisiana, and it has since become a New Orleans staple.
The sandwich bread, which is Sicilian round bread with a soft crust topped with sprinkles of sesame seeds, is cut horizontally and filled with layers and layers of thinly sliced Italian cold cuts, as well as an olive-based spread.
This olive-based spread found in muffuletta is known as olive salad, but occasionally, another popular olive-based spread known as tapenade is used in place of olive salad.
Tapenade: A Savory Condiment from Provence
Tapenade originated from Provence, a region in the south of France. The word “tapenade” is derived from “tapenas,” an old Provencal word for capers.
Traditionally made from French niçoise olives, caper berries, olive oil, and anchovies, the recipe for this spread varies slightly from cook to cook, and it may also feature additional ingredients.
Tomatoes, mushrooms, eggplant, garlic, parsley, and peppers are also used to make tapenade.
These ingredients are mashed together to form a thick paste and allowed to rest for some time for the flavors to blend. This condiment is savory and has a briny flavor.
Tapenade is versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. It can be served at room temperature as part of an appetizer or a main dish. It can be used to flavor meats or used as a dip for bread or crackers.
This spread can be used in salads, soups, as well as a pasta sauce.
Tapenade is used as a substitute for olive salads in muffuletta sandwiches. However, they do not contain giardiniera, which is an assortment of pickled vegetables such as chopped celery, cauliflower, and carrots used in olive salads.
On the other hand, they contain anchovies, which are typically not found in olive salads.
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