Grocery · 180 g
Spicy Italian Pork Spread
What it is
This is a spreadable pork salumi from Calabria, Italy. It is made with cured pork, fat, and a generous amount of chili peppers, giving it a distinctive spicy flavor and a soft, almost paste-like texture. The curing process allows the flavors to meld and develop over time. It is typically sold in jars or vacuum-sealed packages.
How people cook with it
This versatile ingredient adds a rich, spicy kick to many dishes. It melts beautifully into sauces and spreads easily.
- Spread on toast
- Stirred into pasta sauce
- Dolloped onto pizza
- Mixed into scrambled eggs
To use, simply open the package and scoop out the desired amount. If it is very firm, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften. It can be spread directly onto bread or crackers. For cooking, it can be gently heated in a pan to release its oils and flavor before adding other ingredients. It melts into sauces, soups, and stews, infusing them with its characteristic heat and porky depth. It is also excellent added to the base of a pizza before baking.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike firm salami or cured sausages, 'nduja is intentionally soft and spreadable. Its high fat content and the addition of chili peppers create a unique texture and a pronounced, lingering heat that sets it apart from other pork products.
Who it is for
Home cooks and professional chefs looking to add authentic Italian spice and flavor to their meals.
How to keep the rest
Once opened, store any remaining 'nduja in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should be consumed within a few weeks to maintain its best quality and flavor. Ensure it is kept well-sealed to prevent it from drying out.