Discover the Bold Flavours of Nduja: What Makes It Special?

Nduja (pronounced en-DOO-ya) is a spicy, spreadable salami from southern Italy's Calabria region. Known for its fiery flavour and rich, creamy texture, nduja is made from a blend of pork fat, meat, and Calabrian chilli peppers. Its deep red hue and bold taste make it a standout ingredient in Italian cuisine. Traditionally preserved in natural casings, nduja is often enjoyed as a spread on crusty bread or incorporated into various recipes to add a spicy kick. Its versatility and intense flavour have made it increasingly popular among food enthusiasts worldwide.

The Fascinating History of Nduja: From Humble Beginnings to Gourmet Status

Nduja has a fascinating history rooted in Calabria’s resourceful culinary traditions. The name “nduja” is believed to derive from the French word “andouille,” a type of sausage introduced to Italy during French rule in the 16th century. Originally, nduja was a peasant food, created as a way to use pork scraps and preserve them with chilli peppers, which acted as a natural preservative.

Today, nduja remains a symbol of Calabrian ingenuity and bold flavours. Its distinctive heat comes from the locally grown Calabrian chillies, which thrive in the region’s sunny climate. While once considered a humble food, nduja is now celebrated as a gourmet ingredient, appreciated for its rich cultural heritage and versatile culinary uses.

Why Choose Our Affetto Italiano Nduja?

At Affetto Italiano, we pride ourselves on offering the finest quality nduja that captures the authentic taste of Calabria. When you choose Affetto Italiano nduja, you’re not just buying an ingredient but embracing the essence of Italian culinary tradition. Whether you’re spreading it on bread, stirring it into pasta, or using it as a base for sauces, our nduja promises to elevate your dishes with unparalleled flavour and authenticity. Bring the taste of Calabria to your kitchen with Affetto Italiano nduja.

Spice Up Your Cooking: Nduja Sausage Pasta Recipe

Nduja’s adaptability makes it a star in countless recipes. Here is a simple yet flavourful way to use nduja in a pasta dish:

Spicy Nduja Pasta

Ingredients:

• 300g pasta (spaghetti or rigatoni work well)

• 100g nduja sausage

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 can of peeled tomatoes (400g)

• Fresh basil leaves

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Grated Parmigiano Reggiano (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining.

2. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the garlic until fragrant.

3. Add the nduja, breaking it up with a spoon, and let it melt into the oil.

4. Pour in the peeled tomatoes and crush them with the back of a spoon. Simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed for a silky consistency.

6. Garnish with fresh basil and a sprinkle of Parmigiano Reggiano if desired. Serve immediately.

This dish highlights nduja’s ability to transform simple ingredients into a gourmet experience.