The Allure of ‘nduja: The Spreadable Salami You Need This Holiday Season

Description

nduja

Why We Can’t Get Enough of ‘Nduja

Easy to love yet tricky to pronounce, ‘nduja has quickly become a staple alongside prosciutto, pepperoni, and soppressata on charcuterie boards. With its spicy, savory flavor akin to chorizo, ‘nduja beautifully straddles the line between salami and spread. This unique versatility makes it an exceptional choice to enhance your holiday charcuterie, perfect for spreading on bread or crackers, and pairing with creamy cheeses and salty meats.

What Exactly is ‘Nduja?

‘Nduja is a spicy cured Italian sausage infused with Calabrian chilies, giving it a vibrant red hue. Its soft, spreadable texture is reminiscent of French pâté. As Serious Eats points out, you may have enjoyed ‘nduja in various dishes without realizing it, thanks to its distinctive, slightly funky, meaty flavor. Once you’ve tasted it, you’re likely to become a fan for life.

Originating from Calabria in southern Italy, ‘nduja was born from necessity. Poor farmers would utilize leftover offal and fatty scraps after selling prime cuts of pork, mixing in spices, stuffing the blend into casings, and curing it to create a flavorful product with a long shelf life. Due to its high fat content and the addition of chili peppers, ‘ndu-ja retains a soft consistency, unlike traditional salami.

Mastering the Pronunciation of ‘Ndu-ja

Don’t worry if you struggle with the pronunciation; “en-DOO-ya” may feel foreign, but it’s how this unique word is said. Just a few years ago, it was relatively unknown, so you’re not alone. Interestingly, there’s a linguistic connection to the French andouille sausage, despite ‘nduja’s Italian roots.

Creative Ways to Use ‘Ndu-ja

While a charcuterie board is a fantastic way to enjoy ‘nduja, it’s far from the only option. Serious Eats suggests treating it as a versatile condiment, akin to chili crisp or other umami-rich sauces. The culinary possibilities are vast.

Incorporate ‘ndu-ja into your morning omelets or frittatas for a spicy kick. Mix it into scone, biscuit, or muffin batter for a savory twist. It can enhance tomato or cream-based pasta sauces just like traditional sausage, adding depth and heat. Most notably, ‘ndu-ja has gained popularity as a standout pizza topping, elevating your homemade pies with its fiery flavor.

To store ‘ndu-ja, wrap it in plastic and place it in an airtight container in the fridge, where it can remain fresh for months. However, if left at room temperature, it’s best consumed within a couple of weeks.

Where to Find ‘Nduja

As ‘ndu-ja gains popularity, it’s becoming more accessible at major retailers like Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s. When shopping for this delicacy, look for high-quality options that list only three or four ingredients: pork, salt, chilies, and in the U.S., lactic acid (a required ingredient for fermented sausages). Some retailers may label it as “spicy spreadable salami,” but now that you know how to pronounce it, you can confidently ask for ‘ndu-ja by name.