VEGETARIAN MUFFULETTA

Vegetarian Muffaletta Sandwich
Yield: 4-8 servings

For Sauteed Mushrooms:
2 large portabella mushrooms
2 tsp. extra virgin olive oil
salt and pepper 

For Olive Salad:
1 cup giardiniera
1 cup green olives
1/2 cup kalamata olives
1 tbsp. capers
2 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
1/2 tsp. dried thyme
1/2 tsp. dried oregano
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar

For Muffaletta:
1 (1-lb.) round loaf of bread
8 oz. sliced provolone cheese
1 cup roasted red peppers (or use a mix of colors)
1 cup quartered artichoke hearts

Prepare mushrooms:
Wipe portabella mushrooms with a dry paper towel to remove dirt.
Remove stems from mushrooms and slice 1/2-inch thick.
Heat 2 tsp. olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add mushroom to oil and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned on both sides.
Season mushrooms to taste with salt and pepper. Set aside to cool.
Prepare olive salad:
Coarsely chop giardiniera and place in a medium bowl.
Smash green olives with the side of a chef's knife, then roughly chop. Add to giardiniera.
Pit kalamata olives, then smash with the side of your knife and roughly chop. Add to giardiniera.
Add capers, garlic, spices, olive oil, and red wine vinegar to giardiniera.
Mix olive salad well. Set aside.

Assemble muffalettas:
Cut bread in half. If your loaf is very thick, remove some of bread from inside the loaf, leaving about a 1-inch shell.
Cover bottom of bread with half of the olive salad. Make sure to add some of the olive and vinegar dressing.
Top olive salad with half of the provolone cheese.
Cover cheese with roasted peppers, then top peppers with the artichoke hearts.
Add the rest of the provolone cheese.
Top cheese with the portabella mushrooms.
Cover portabellas with remaining olive salad and brush bread top with any leftover dressing.
Top sandwich with bread top. Gently press down on sandwich.
Cut muffaletta into wedges and serve immediately or wrap tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to eat. Enjoy!

Notes


When selecting bread, choose a sturdy, round loaf that's topped with sesame seeds, if possible. A wider, flatter loaf (about 8-inches or so) is better than a narrower, tall loaf, if you have an option. Can't find a large, round loaf? Try substituting a regular Italian loaf, ciabatta, or even focaccia. Just make sure that the bread you use will stand up to the hearty filling!