While this sandwich is not one of our top sellers, it has its fervent followers, like those of the anchovy sandwich (see page 68). Taking our inspiration from the traditional New Orleans muffaletta—the sandwich of salty meats and tangy olive salad on a thick round roll—we often pair a fresh smoked salami similar to a sopressata with a drier saucisson sec. But you can customize your sandwich for your palate with your own favorites: prosciutto, mortadella, pancetta—any salumi will stand up nicely to the myriad flavors that burst from the marinated cauliflower salad. Don’t let the name cauliflower dissuade you—this is not the boiled bane of your childhood. Rather, it’s a textured mix of tastes in a bold marinade, with raisins and caraway seeds.
Recipe information
Yield
makes 4 sandwiches
Ingredients
Marinated cauliflower
Preparation
Step 1
Remove any green leaves from the cauliflower while keeping the stem. Quarter, and using a sharp knife or the slicing attachment on a food processor, slice the cauliflower as thin as possible. (Don’t worry if some of the cauliflower crumbles into small pieces.) In a bowl, combine the cauliflower with all the marinade ingredients and mix well. Set aside to marinate for 6 hours or more. Make sure to stir the mixture from the bottom before using.
Step 2
Slice the ciabatta rolls in half, with a thicker bottom half (see Note). Place the marinated cauliflower on the bottom slices and top with the salami and the bitter greens. Spread the mustard evenly on the top slices and close the sandwiches. Cut into halves and serve.
Note
Step 3
Cut the bottom of the bread a bit thicker than usual, and then make the salad your bottom layer, so that the marinade soaks into the bread.
