But there are a lot of hidden gems in this genre of cooking that go unnoticed in favor of the more popular stuff. One of these is Nduja, slowly rising to mainstream taste buds. It is traditionally eaten with bread slices and cheese but its unique taste makes it an exciting addition to many different kinds of dishes and cuisines. Nduja has worked its way into part of the mainstream only recently, between 2015 to 2016 where it was actively featured in many high quality dishes across the United States and the United Kingdom. If you have ever come across Nduja, you will certainly remember its special taste that keeps you coming back for more. Lucky for us, its popularity has made it is easier to acquire than ever before. The peppers used in this case are special Calabrian chiles that have a very unique, peppery, and fiery hot flavor. You can also make it with Calabrian chili paste. Add to that a combination of aromatic herbs and earthy spices and you have yourself a deliciously one of a kind spread that goes well with almost anything. The fermentation process is what gives the Nduja its sour and acidic taste. The paste is allowed to age so the flavor becomes deeper and more complex. Since the fat content of the paste is so high, the spread remains extremely soft and spreadable even after months of aging. The texture of the spread is almost like butter since it is a very soft salume that is perfectly spreadable and easy to incorporate during the cooking process. You can either add a little bit of it to your cooking for just a kick of heat, or you can go all out and serve a dollop of Nduja on top of some delicious bread.
What to Use Nduja for?
Nduja is classically eaten spread across bread or on crackers. But, the applications of Nduja go well beyond just being used as a spread. It can be used on top of pizza, added to pasta sauces to amp up the spice level, and you can even eat it with seafood like shellfish. You can also incorporate it during the cooking process as the heat really brings out the salty and umami flavors. Nduja is a great way to add a kick of heat while adding a gorgeous, herb-filled aroma. You can add a little bit of Nduja to almost anything you cook. The soft texture of the spread means it dissolves easily and only adds to the creaminess of the dish. Add it to curries, stews, broths, and vegetable dishes. You can also use it to accentuate other condiments, like mixing it in with some mayonnaise for a spicy dip or adding it to some tomato sauce for your pasta. You will definitely find some in an Italian food market and online. When looking for good Nduja to purchase, look for the authentic stuff. Ideally, you will want to purchase a version that only lists a few critical ingredients and as little chemicals and preservatives as possible. All you really need to make Nduja is salt, pork meat, and Calabrian chilies for the spice.
