Nduja is a spicy, spreadable pork salami that originates from the Calabria region of Italy. It is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from pasta dishes to pizzas and even stuffed chicken breasts. In this article, we will explore the top 5 nduja recipes that are easy to make and bursting with flavor.
One of the classic ways to use nduja is in a spicy pasta dish. The nduja adds a rich, smoky flavor to the dish and pairs well with a variety of pasta shapes. Another great way to use nduja is in a pizza. Instead of using traditional tomato sauce, spread the nduja on the pizza crust and top with your favorite toppings for a delicious twist on a classic dish.
For a more elevated meal, try making nduja-stuffed chicken breasts. The nduja adds a depth of flavor to the chicken and keeps it moist and juicy. Or, for a quick and easy appetizer, make savory nduja bruschetta. The nduja pairs perfectly with the toasted bread and fresh tomatoes.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Nduja is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of recipes, from pasta dishes to pizzas and even stuffed chicken breasts.
- Classic spicy nduja pasta and nduja pizza with a twist are two delicious ways to use nduja.
- Nduja-stuffed chicken breasts and savory nduja bruschetta are easy to make and perfect for entertaining.
Classic Spicy ‘Nduja Pasta
Ingredients and Prep
To make the classic spicy ‘nduja pasta, the following ingredients are required:
- 1 pound of pasta
- 1/4 cup of olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 ounces of ‘nduja
- 1 can of tomato sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese (optional)
To prepare the ingredients, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Save a cup of pasta water, drain the pasta, and set it aside. In a large saucepan or skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add in the onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until it is softened. Add in the garlic and ‘nduja and break up the ‘nduja using a spoon.
Cooking Instructions
After the ‘nduja has been broken up, add the tomato sauce to the saucepan or skillet. Bring the mixture to a simmer, season lightly with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally until the sauce is slightly thickened, which should take about 12 to 15 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a little bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out.
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the saucepan or skillet and toss it in the sauce until it is well coated. Serve the pasta hot with some grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.
This classic spicy ‘nduja pasta is a perfect meal for those who love spicy food. The ‘nduja adds a nice kick of heat to the pasta, while the tomato sauce and pasta balance out the spiciness with their sweetness and starchiness, respectively. Overall, this is a simple yet delicious pasta dish that is sure to satisfy anyone’s craving for a spicy meal.
‘Nduja Pizza with a Twist
If you are looking for a spicy and flavorful pizza, ‘Nduja Pizza is the perfect choice for you. This pizza is made with Calabrian salami, creamy burrata cheese, Parmigiano Reggiano, and fresh basil. The ‘Nduja Pizza has a unique twist that sets it apart from other traditional pizzas.
Dough Preparation
To make the perfect ‘Nduja Pizza, you need to start with the right dough. The dough should be thin and crispy, which will help to balance the flavors of the toppings. You can use any type of dough you prefer, but a simple pizza dough recipe works well.
Mix the flour with water, yeast, and sugar. Then add salt and dried chili flakes. Shape the dough into a ball, place it in a bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and let it rise for 2 hours. Preheat the oven to 450°F.
Toppings and Baking
To make the perfect ‘Nduja Pizza, you need to add the right toppings. The toppings should be spicy and flavorful, which will complement the dough. Start by spreading a layer of tomato sauce on the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
Next, add sliced Calabrian salami and dollops of ‘Nduja spread. Add some fresh mozzarella cheese and grated Parmigiano Reggiano. Bake the pizza in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes or until the crust is golden brown.
Once the pizza is done, remove it from the oven and add some fresh basil leaves. Slice the pizza and serve it hot. The ‘Nduja Pizza is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a party with friends.
In conclusion, the ‘Nduja Pizza with a Twist is a delicious and unique pizza that is perfect for anyone who loves spicy and flavorful food. With the right dough and toppings, you can make the perfect ‘Nduja Pizza that will impress your guests and leave them wanting more.
‘Nduja-Stuffed Chicken Breast
If you’re looking for a flavorful and spicy chicken dish, then ‘Nduja-stuffed chicken breast is a must-try. This recipe combines the heat of ‘Nduja, a spicy pork sausage from Calabria, with the tenderness of chicken breast. Here’s how to prepare and bake this delicious dish.
Preparing the Chicken
To make ‘Nduja-stuffed chicken breast, you’ll need to butterfly the chicken breast first. This means that you’ll need to slice the chicken breast horizontally, but not all the way through, so that you can open it up like a book. Once you’ve butterflied the chicken breast, you can stuff it with ‘Nduja.
To stuff the chicken breast, spread a layer of ‘Nduja on one side of the chicken breast, then fold the other side over to cover the ‘Nduja. Use toothpicks to secure the chicken breast closed, then brush it with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper.
Baking Guidelines
To bake the ‘Nduja-stuffed chicken breast, preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the chicken breast in a baking dish and bake it for around 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear. You can also use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F.
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. You can serve the ‘Nduja-stuffed chicken breast with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Overall, ‘Nduja-stuffed chicken breast is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its spicy kick and tender chicken, it’s sure to be a hit with anyone who loves bold flavors.
Savory ‘Nduja Bruschetta
When it comes to ‘nduja recipes, bruschetta is a classic and delicious choice. Here are some tips for making the perfect savory ‘nduja bruschetta.
Bread Selection and Toasting
The bread is a crucial component of bruschetta, and the right choice can make all the difference. A rustic Italian bread, such as ciabatta or sourdough, works well. It should be sliced into thick pieces, around 1 inch thick, and toasted until golden brown. A toaster or grill can be used to toast the bread.
Topping Mixture
The topping mixture is where the real flavor comes in. ‘Nduja, a spicy spreadable pork sausage from Calabria, is the star of the show. It should be spread evenly on the toasted bread. Roasted peppers, goat cheese, and smoked provola are popular toppings that pair well with ‘nduja.
To make the perfect topping mixture, start by roasting the peppers until they are soft and slightly charred. Then, spread the ‘nduja evenly on the toasted bread. Lay the roasted pepper strips across the slices, followed by dollops of goat’s cheese or diced smoked provola. Drizzle with extra olive oil and serve immediately.
With these tips in mind, anyone can make a delicious and savory ‘nduja bruschetta. It’s a perfect appetizer for any occasion.
‘Nduja Infused Risotto
‘Nduja infused risotto is a classic Italian dish that is perfect for any occasion. It is a simple yet flavorful recipe that can be made in just a few steps. Here is a step-by-step guide to making the perfect ‘nduja risotto.
Rice and Broth Prep
To start, heat your broth in a small pan until it reaches a simmer. Turn down the heat and keep it hot next to your risotto pan. Heat the oil in a deep sauté pan over medium heat and gently fry the shallot for 2-3 minutes to soften. Add the ‘nduja, removed from its casing, and fry gently for 2-3 minutes.
Once the ‘nduja has been fried, add in your arborio rice. Stir the rice around until it is coated with the oil and ‘nduja mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the rice starts to turn translucent. This step is important as it helps to create a creamy texture in the final dish.
Now, add in a ladleful of broth to the rice and stir until it has been absorbed. Repeat this process until the rice is cooked to your desired consistency. It should be firm to the bite, but not crunchy.
Final Touches and Serving
Once the rice is cooked, stir in a knob of butter and grated parmesan cheese. This will add a rich and creamy flavor to the dish. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
To serve, spoon the risotto into bowls and top with some fresh herbs like basil or parsley. You can also add some extra grated parmesan cheese on top for extra flavor.
In conclusion, ‘nduja infused risotto is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any occasion. With just a few simple steps, you can create a creamy and flavorful dish that will impress your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ways to incorporate ‘nduja into vegetarian dishes?
Although ‘nduja is traditionally made with pork, it can still be used in vegetarian dishes. One of the best ways to incorporate ‘nduja into vegetarian dishes is by using it as a flavoring agent. It can be added to sauces, soups, or stews to give them a spicy kick. Another way to use ‘nduja in vegetarian dishes is by combining it with vegetables such as roasted eggplant, zucchini, or peppers. The ‘nduja will add a depth of flavor to the vegetables and make them more satisfying.
How can one adapt traditional ‘nduja recipes for modern cooking?
Traditional ‘nduja recipes are often quite simple, consisting of just a few ingredients. To adapt these recipes for modern cooking, one can experiment with different cooking techniques and ingredients. For example, instead of using pork, one can try making ‘nduja with chicken or turkey. Alternatively, one can use ‘nduja as a topping for pizza or as a spread for sandwiches.
What are some recommended ‘nduja recipes from renowned chefs?
Renowned chefs have come up with many creative ways to use ‘nduja in their dishes. Some recommended ‘nduja recipes include ‘Nduja Pasta, ‘Nduja and Ricotta Crostini, ‘Nduja and Egg Pizza, ‘Nduja and Clam Pasta, and ‘Nduja and Tomato Bruschetta.
Can you suggest some starter dishes that feature ‘nduja?
Some starter dishes that feature ‘nduja include ‘Nduja and Goat Cheese Crostini, ‘Nduja and Burrata Bruschetta, ‘Nduja and Roasted Red Pepper Dip, and ‘Nduja and Feta Stuffed Peppers.
What are some creative uses for ‘nduja in chicken recipes?
‘Nduja can be used in many creative ways in chicken recipes. For example, one can mix ‘nduja with butter and use it as a rub for roasted chicken. Alternatively, one can stuff chicken breasts with ‘nduja and wrap them in bacon. Another creative use for ‘nduja in chicken recipes is to add it to a creamy sauce and serve it over grilled chicken.
How should ‘nduja be stored and how long does it last after opening?
‘Nduja should be stored in the refrigerator and can last for up to 6 months after opening. It is important to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. If the ‘nduja starts to develop a moldy or off smell, it should be discarded.