Central Market
Central Market Calabria Spicy 'Nduja Spread
What it is
This is a spreadable pork salumi from Italy. It is made with pork, fat, and a generous amount of Calabrian chili peppers. The peppers give it a distinctive spicy flavor and a vibrant red color. It has a soft, almost paste-like texture that makes it easy to spread. The 'nduja is cured and then often packed into jars or casings. It is a traditional product from the Calabria region of southern Italy.
How people cook with it
This spicy spread adds a unique flavor to many dishes. It can be used as a condiment or incorporated into cooking.
- Spread on toast
- Stir into pasta sauce
- Melt onto pizza
- Add to scrambled eggs
To use, simply open the container. If it is in a jar, you can scoop it out with a spoon or knife. If it is in a casing, you may need to remove the casing before using. It can be spread directly onto bread or crackers. For cooking, you can melt it into sauces, soups, or stews. It also works well added to the base of a pizza before baking or stirred into cooked vegetables. Its flavor intensifies with heat.
How it differs from similar foods
Unlike other cured meats, 'nduja is intentionally made to be soft and spreadable. Many other salumi are firm and sliced. The high proportion of fat and chili peppers also sets it apart, giving it a rich, spicy, and slightly oily character.
Who it is for
Home cooks looking to add a bold, spicy element to their meals will enjoy this product.
How to keep the rest
Once opened, store any remaining 'nduja in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best to keep it submerged in its own rendered fat if possible, as this helps to preserve it. Consume within a few weeks for optimal freshness and flavor.