Central Grocery's Muffuletta

The New Orleans classic!! Make ahead and chill.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Serves: 8-10

Ingredients

• 4  medium celery ribs, finely chopped (about 1 1/4 cups)
• 1  cup  drained  giardiniera, finely chopped (Italian mixed, pickled vegetables)
• 1  cup  loosely packed fresh parsley, chopped
• 3⁄4 cup  pitted green olives, finely chopped
• 1⁄4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1⁄4 teaspoon fresh coarse ground black pepper
• 1  garlic clove, minced
• 1  loaf  round soft  French bread (10-inch diameter, about 1 pound) or 1  Italian bread, cut horizontally in half (10-inch diameter, about 1 pound)
• 6  ounces  thinly sliced smoked ham
• 6  ounces  thinly sliced provolone cheese
• 6  ounces  thinly sliced  genoa salami

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine celery, giardiniera, parsley, olives, olive oil, black pepper, and garlic. Set aside.
2. Remove a 1" layer of soft center of bread from both halves to make room for the filling. On bottom half of bread, spread half of the olive mixture; top with the ham, cheese, salami, and remaining olive mixture. Replace top half of bread; press halves together.
3. Wrap sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.
4. Cut into 8 wedges and serve.