Nduja: Discovering The Fire of Calabria
Carluccio's are passionate about bringing you the authentic flavours of Italy. While many of you will be familiar with classics like prosciutto and salami, there's one ingredient that has more recently captured the hearts of food lovers everywhere with its fiery spirit: Nduja.
This spicy, spreadable salami, hailing from the rugged and sun-drenched region of Calabria in Southern Italy, is a true testament to Italian ingenuity and a celebration of powerful flavour.
A Culinary Heritage: The History of Nduja
The history of Nduja is rooted in the rich tradition of "cucina povera," or peasant cooking, where nothing from the pig was wasted. Originating in the area around the town of Spilinga, Nduja was born out of a desire to make the most of every cut. The name itself is believed to derive from the French "andouille," a sausage introduced by Napoleon's troops in the early 19th century. However, the Calabrians took this concept and made it their own, adding a crucial, fiery element: the region's abundant and intensely flavourful red chillies.
It’s this generous dose of Calabrian chilli that gives Nduja its distinctive deep red colour and its characteristic heat. The chillies also act as a natural preservative, meaning no other additives are needed. The mix of pork, fat, and spices is stuffed into a casing, smoked gently over aromatic wood, and then left to cure for several months, developing its unique, complex flavour. The result is a sausage that is soft and spreadable, with a tantalising balance of rich, meaty savouriness and a powerful, lingering heat.
Carluccio's Nduja: Authentic Flavour, Unbeatable Quality
We've searched high and low to find the perfect Nduja to bring to your table. Our product is a true taste of Calabria, made with high-quality pork and the region's prized chillies. It’s a deliciously authentic and versatile ingredient that will elevate any dish with its bold flavour. The soft, spreadable texture means it melts beautifully when heated, releasing its fragrant spices and rich porkiness into your cooking.
5 Popular Ways to Use Nduja
If you're new to the world of Nduja, you'll be amazed at its versatility. Here are five of our favourite ways to use this fantastic ingredient:
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A Fiery Pizza Topping: This is perhaps its most famous use! Simply dot small spoonfuls of Nduja over your pizza base before baking. It will melt into pools of spicy, rich oil, infusing every bite with incredible flavour. Try it with a simple margherita or paired with creamy burrata for a delightful contrast.
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Elevating a Simple Pasta Sauce: Stir a spoonful or two of Nduja into a classic tomato sauce as it simmers. It will dissolve, adding a profound depth of flavour and a gentle heat that transforms the sauce from simple to sublime. A drizzle of olive oil and some fresh basil are all you need to finish it off.
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Spicy Bruschetta or Crostini: The simplest and most classic use. Spread Nduja directly onto a slice of toasted bread for a quick, punchy antipasto. Top with a little ricotta or a drizzle of honey to temper the heat.
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Enriching Risotto: Stir a dollop of Nduja into your risotto towards the end of cooking. It will melt into the creamy rice, adding a savoury, spicy kick that cuts through the richness and creates a truly unforgettable dish.
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With Seafood: Nduja might be pork, but it pairs beautifully with seafood. Try melting it into a pan with some garlic and white wine, then tossing in some prawns, mussels, or clams. The spicy sausage fat creates a luscious, flavourful sauce that complements the sweetness of the seafood perfectly.
Whether you're an Nduja enthusiast or a curious newcomer, we invite you to explore this incredible ingredient. Ours is waiting to add a touch of Calabrian sunshine to your kitchen.
Buon appetito!
