Nduja at the BBQ —Spicing Things Up In The Great Outdoors

When the charcoal is glowing and the scent of woodsmoke fills the air, thoughts usually turn to the classics: burgers, sausages, and perhaps a few charred peppers. But if you are looking to elevate your outdoor cooking with a punch of authentic Italian heat, there is one ingredient that stands above the rest: 'Nduja.

Originating from Spilinga in Calabria, this spicy, spreadable pork salumi is packed with roasted Calabrian chillies. Its high fat content makes it the ultimate "secret weapon" for the barbecue, as it melts beautifully over heat, creating a smoky, fiery glaze that regular hot sauces simply can't match.

You can find Carluccio's authentic 'Nduja Spicy Salami Spread on our online deli, ready to be delivered to your door for your next garden gathering.

Why 'Nduja Loves the Flame

The magic of 'Nduja lies in its versatility. Because it is a paste rather than a solid sausage, it can be whisked into marinades, dolloped onto searing steaks, rubbed over chicken, or stuffed inside crusty breads. When it hits the heat of a grill, the fats render down, carrying that deep chilli warmth into every crevice of your food.

Three Ways to Use 'Nduja at Your Next BBQ

• The Ultimate 'Nduja Burger Butter: Forget plain cheese slices. Take a knob of 'Nduja and mash it into softened unsalted butter. Once your beef burgers are flipped and almost finished, place a disc of this mixture on top. It will melt into the meat, creating a rich, spicy sauce that soaks into the bun.

• Fiery Seafood Glaze: 'Nduja and shellfish are a match made in heaven. Thread large king prawns onto skewers and brush them with a mix of melted 'Nduja and a little Carluccio's Extra Virgin Olive Oil during the last two minutes of grilling until they are charred and vibrant.

• Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms: For a side dish with real depth, remove the stalks from large Portobello mushrooms and fill the cavity with a mixture of breadcrumbs and small dots of 'Nduja. Grill until the mushroom is tender and the spicy oils have permeated the filling.

The Perfect BBQ Sides

No Italian-inspired barbecue is complete without the right accompaniments. While the grill is hot, toast some thick slices of sourdough to serve alongside your 'Nduja creations.

For a refreshing contrast to the heat, we recommend serving a crisp salad dressed with our Aceto Balsamico di Modena. The sweetness of the balsamic cuts through the richness of the pork beautifully. And if you're looking for a quick snack while the coals are getting up to temperature, a bowl of our Taggiasca Olives provides the perfect salty bite to start the afternoon.

The bold, unapologetic heat of Calabria is the perfect companion for the smoky char of a summer barbecue. Explore our full range at the Carluccio's Online Shop to stock your pantry for the outdoor season.