If you're a fan of spicy foods, you may have already heard of nduja. This spreadable sausage is known for its rich flavor and fiery kick, and it's become increasingly popular in recent years. But what is nduja, and where does it come from? In this post, we'll explore the history of nduja, how it's made, and why it's so beloved by foodies around the world.
What is Nduja?
Nduja is a type of salumi, or cured meat, that originated in the southern Italian region of Calabria. It's made from a blend of pork, hot peppers, and spices, which are ground together and then aged for several months. The resulting spreadable sausage is rich, spicy, and packed with flavor.
Nduja has a soft, creamy texture that makes it perfect for spreading on bread or crackers. It can also be used as a topping for pizza or stirred into pasta dishes for an added kick of heat and flavor.
History of Nduja
The exact origins of nduja are somewhat unclear, but it's believed to have originated in the town of Spilinga in Calabria. The region has a long history of producing spicy salumi, but nduja is a relatively recent addition to the culinary landscape.
Nduja is thought to have been created in the early 18th century as a way to preserve pork during the winter months. The hot peppers and spices were added not just for flavour, but also to help preserve the meat by inhibiting bacterial growth.
Despite its long history in Calabria, nduja was relatively unknown outside of the region until the late 20th century. In recent years, it has become increasingly popular among foodies and chefs around the world, thanks in part to its unique flavour profile and versatility in the kitchen.
How is Nduja Made?
To make nduja, pork meat is first ground and mixed with salt and spices, including hot peppers, such as the Calabrian chili pepper. The mixture is then stuffed into a casing and left to ferment and age for several months.
During the fermentation process, lactic acid bacteria are produced, which help to give nduja its distinct tangy flavour. The aging process also allows the flavours to develop and intensify, resulting in a rich, complex taste that's both spicy and savoury.
Why is Nduja So Popular?
There are several reasons why nduja has become so popular in recent years. For one, it's incredibly versatile in the kitchen. Its creamy texture and spicy flavor make it a great addition to a wide variety of dishes, from pizza and pasta to grilled meats and vegetables.
Nduja is also unique in its flavour profile. The combination of spicy hot peppers and savoury pork creates a taste that's both complex and addictive. It's the perfect way to add a bit of heat and depth to your favorite dishes.
Finally, nduja has a certain cachet among foodies and culinary enthusiasts. Its relative obscurity outside of Calabria makes it something of a rare treat, and its growing popularity has only added to its allure.
Where to Buy Nduja
At L'incontro, we take great pride in our nduja. Our recipe is traditional and authentic, and we use only the highest quality ingredients. Our nduja is still completely made and tied by hand, and the only ageing agent we use is the cold temperature of the Calabrian mountains. You can buy our nduja, as well as a variety of other Italian cured meats and cheeses, on our website lincontro.co.uk.
In Conclusion
Nduja is a delicious and versatile ingredient that has been enjoyed in Calabria for centuries. Its unique blend of spicy, savoury flavours has made it a popular ingredient in kitchens around the world. At L'incontro, we take great pride in our traditional and authentic nduja, and we're proud to offer it to our customers. Try our nduja today and experience the spicy, flavourful taste of Calabria for yourself!