Central Grocery's Muffuletta

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 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. 1

   In a medium bowl, combine celery, giardiniera, parsley, olives, olive oil, black pepper, and garlic. Set aside.

2. 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. 3

   Wrap sandwich tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

4. 4

   Cut into 8 wedges and serve.