Nduja (Italian Spicy Spread): What it is and how to use it

'Nduja is a spreadable pork sausage that hails from the region of Calabria. Renowned for its spicy flavor and smooth, spreadable consistency, 'nduja is made from high-quality pork meat, spicy Calabrian chiles, and a blend of rustic spices. The pork is finely ground and mixed with the chiles to achieve a perfect balance of heat and savoriness.

The versatile nature of 'nduja makes it a unique addition to your culinary repertoire. It can be seamlessly integrated into a range of dishes, from adding depth to pasta sauces to enhancing the taste profile of pizza toppings. Considering its spreadable texture, it pairs exceptionally well with crusty bread and can elevate the simplest of appetizers. The ingredient stands out not only for its robust flavor but also its ability to meld into and enrich the dishes it accompanies.

This cured spicy sausage comes with a notable history. Its origins trace back to the ingenuity of Southern Italians peasants who aimed to make the most of the less desirable cuts of pork by preserving them. Today, 'nduja has transcended its humble beginnings and is celebrated in kitchens and on dining tables across the globe. Its bold flavor encapsulates the spirited essence of Calabria, making it a must-try for any lover of Italian cuisine.

If you are looking for a delicious nduja recipe, check out this Pumpkin and Nduja pasta.

Jump to:

• 💭 History and Origin
• 🔪 Nduja Production Process
• ♨️ Nduja Flavor Profile
• 🥣 Buying and Storing
• 🍲 Cooking with 'Nduja
• 🥄 Nduja Pairings
• 🧾 Frequently Asked Questions

💭 History and Origin

The Southern Italian region of Calabria, located at the toe of the Italian peninsula, is the birthplace of 'nduja. This region's relationship with poverty shaped a cuisine that is resourceful and robust, with 'nduja being a fine example. Traditionally, it was made with the leftover parts of the pig not used for other salumi—a testament to the no-waste philosophy prevalent in times of scarcity. The addition of local fiery red chili peppers, abundant in the area, gave 'nduja its distinctive spicy flavor and helped preserve the meat. This spicy salami quickly became a staple in Calabrian homes and eventually found its way into Italian markets, showcasing the region's ability to craft extraordinary flavors from simple ingredients.

Spilinga and Its Specialties

Spilinga, a small town in Calabria, holds the title as the historical center of 'nduja production. The town's artisans have honed the craft of creating this spreadable salami, contributing to its rise in popularity and maintaining its authenticity. Here, it is celebrated annually during the "Sagra di 'Nduja" festival, cementing its importance in the community. The cured spicy spreadable salumi is more than food for the people of Spilinga; it's a cultural icon, deeply interwoven with their identity and traditions.

🔪 Nduja Production Process

In the production process, you'll find a delicate balance between tradition and the nuances of flavor development, where each step, from the selection of ingredients to the crucial fermentation and aging, plays a pivotal role.

Ingredients and Preparation

Your first step is to source high-quality pork and fat, typically from the animal's neck and belly regions. These cuts are combined with salt and local Calabrian chiles, which are essential for 'Nduja's distinct spicy flavor. The preparation requires precise mixing of these ingredients to ensure uniformity before encasing.

• Pork products: Neck fat, pork belly (lard, pancetta). Pork is the key ingredient of this spreadable salume.
• Spices: A specific blend with Calabrian red chili pepper at the forefront
• Sea Salt: Acts as a preservative and flavor enhancer

Fermentation and Aging

Once the mixture is encased, it is then left to ferment, where naturally occurring lactic acid begins to develop. This not only helps in preserving the 'Nduja but also contributes to its tangy flavor profile. The casing ensures that the process happens in a controlled environment.

1. Fermentation: Takes place over several days (or weeks), leading to the development of lactic acid.
2. Aging: The drying process and aging can last several months, enhancing complexity and richness of taste.

The aging process allows the ‘Nduja to develop its characteristic fiery yet balanced flavor, with the flavors intensifying over time.

♨️ Nduja Flavor Profile

'Nduja is known for its remarkably soft, spreadable texture, which melts in your mouth. This is due to its high fat content, lending to its luxurious mouthfeel. As for taste, you'll immediately notice a piquant and spicy punch. The flavor balances rich fattiness with assertive spiciness, not unlike a more intense pepperoni or the North African spice blend harissa. Additionally, there's an undeniable umami quality and salty edge that makes it very versatile in the kitchen.

Heat and Spices

Your palate will detect a significant level of heat in 'Nduja, stemming from the liberal use of various chili peppers. The spiciness is forward but does not eclipse the nuanced flavors of the meat and spices. The specific blend of spices used in 'Nduja contributes to its distinctive taste—expect to encounter:

• Chilli peppers: The primary source of heat.
• Traditional spices: They complement the chilies and accentuate the umami and salty notes.

🥣 Buying and Storing

Where to Purchase

Online: You can easily buy 'nduja from various online retailers. This option allows you to choose from a wide range of brands and price points.

Grocery Stores and Specialty Food Shops: 'Nduja is available at grocery stores like Whole Foods and even some Trader Joe's, as well as specialty shops. Look for it in areas designated for cured meats or international foods.

Preservation and Shelf Life

Storage:

• Refrigerator: Keep your fresh 'nduja refrigerated if you plan to consume it within a week.
• Freezer: For long-term storage, a whole log of 'nduja can be frozen for up to 6 months. Always use an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.

Shelf Life:

• Opened Jars: Once opened, it should be kept in an airtight container to guard against air and moisture. Use as soon as possible for maximum freshness.

🍲 Cooking with 'Nduja

The 'Nduja sausage is a versatile culinary ingredient that adds a powerful flavor punch to diverse dishes. Its spicy and savory qualities make it an exceptional choice for incorporating into recipes or enhancing a variety of sauces and condiments.

Traditional Uses

• Spreading: Nduja is traditionally used as a spread due to its soft and pliable texture. You can enjoy it simply spread on slices of bread or toast for a quick and spicy snack.
• Pasta: It's common to melt it into sauces, enhancing pasta dishes with its piquancy and depth. An example is combining it with tomatoes or tomato paste to make a spicy nduja tomato sauce, or with butter and Parmesan to make a delicious creamy nduja pasta sauce.
• Pizza: Adding dollops of nduja to your pizza before baking imparts a smoky heat, or mix it into the pizza sauce, complementing the melted cheese and other toppings.

Modern Pairings

Innovative Breakfast:

• Omelet: Incorporate it into your omelet filling for a spicy twist.
• Scrambled Eggs: Blend it into your scrambled eggs for added zest and a touch of Italian flair.

Appetizers:

• Crostini: Place thin slices onto crostini, garnish with herbs, and serve as a bold appetizer.
• Toast: For a quick snack, spread it onto toast and top with avocado or roasted vegetables.

Sauces and Condiments:

• Tomato Sauce: Stir in a spoonful of 'Nduja to your tomato sauce for pasta or pizza base to give it a smoky, spicy twist.
• Spiced Mayo: Blend it with mayo for a creative condiment perfect for sandwiches or as a dip.
• Infused Olive Oil: Heat it with olive oil to make a chili-infused oil, great for drizzling over vegetables or incorporating into dressings.
• Creamy Sauces: Mix it with cream to create a rich and spicy sauce that works well with meats and hearty pasta dishes.

Recipes with 'Nduja

You can incorporate it directly into your recipes to infuse them with its distinctive spicy and smoky flavor.

• Pasta with Pumpkin and 'Nduja sauce
• Pumpkin Risotto with Gorgonzola and Nduja
• Beef & Pork Ragu sauce with 'Nduja
• Pasta with 'Nduja and Mushrooms
• Orecchiette with Nduja and Eggplant
• Nduja sausage Hash

🥄 Nduja Pairings

When incorporating 'Nduja into your meals, the robust flavor pairs well with a variety of cheeses and wines, while it can also complement certain meats and vegetables to enhance your dishes.

Cheeses:

• Ricotta — Mild and creamy, Ricotta can balance the intense spiciness.
• Gorgonzola — For a bold flavor pairing, the sharpness of Gorgonzola marries well with the spices.
• Caciocavallo — This cheese's intense flavor stands up to the strong profile of 'Nduja.
• Smoked Provola — The smokiness pairs nicely with the spicy, complex notes of 'Nduja.

Wines:

• Bold Reds — Choose a robust red wine that can match the intensity of the spicy spread.
• Slightly Sweet Whites — A white wine with a touch of sweetness can provide a pleasant contrast to the spiciness.

Meats:

• To stay within the Italian charcuterie board theme, you might select:
  • Prosciutto — Its salty, savory flavor complements the fiery 'Nduja.
  • Soppressata — Another salumi variety that pairs well, adding diverse textures and flavors.

Vegetables:

• You'll find that fresh or grilled veggies, especially tomatoes, work to counterbalance the heat with their natural sweetness and acidity.