Nduja Sausage Ingredient Guide

‘Nduja Pairing Ideas

• Tomatoes: The acidity of tomatoes balances the richness of ‘nduja, making it perfect for sauces, stews, and pasta dishes.
• Garlic: Garlic enhances ‘nduja’s savoury depth, creating a flavourful base for many dishes like pizza, pasta, and soups.
• Lemon: The bright citrus of lemon cuts through the spiciness and adds freshness, ideal for seafood and salads.
• Honey: Sweet honey contrasts beautifully with ‘nduja’s heat, making it a great topping for pizza or drizzling over cheese. This is probably my favourite flavour pairing!
• Cheese: Creamy cheeses like burrata, ricotta, or goat cheese mellow ‘nduja’s intensity, creating a perfect balance.
• Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or oregano add a burst of freshness that complements ‘nduja’s bold flavour.
• Seafood: Add ‘nduja to seafood dishes like shrimp, clams, or mussels. It adds a spicy, savoury depth to the dish.
• Eggs: Mix ‘nduja into scrambled eggs or an omelette for a fiery breakfast treat.
• Butter: The rich, creamy texture of butter helps mellow out the spiciness of ‘nduja. Melt ‘nduja with butter for a luscious sauce that’s perfect for tossing with pasta, drizzling over vegetables, or spreading on bread.
• Cream: Cream balances ‘nduja’s heat and adds a velvety smoothness to sauces and soups. Stir ‘nduja into cream for a spicy, rich pasta sauce or as a base for creamy soups and risottos.

‘Nduja Cooking Tips

Here are some handy cooking tips to get the most out of your ‘nduja:

• ‘Nduja packs a punch! Start with a small amount and adjust as you go. You can always add more for extra heat and flavour.
• Warm ‘nduja in a pan over low heat. It melts into a flavourful oil that’s perfect for sautéing veggies, seafood, or even frying eggs.
• Balance ‘nduja’s richness with a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar. The acidity cuts through the fat and enhances the overall flavour.
• For a creamy sauce with a kick, stir ‘nduja into cream or mascarpone. It’s great for pasta, spreading on bread, or as a dip.
• Add ‘nduja early in the cooking process when making soups, stews, or sauces. It will infuse the dish with its spicy, smoky flavour.
• Pair ‘nduja with sweet ingredients like honey or caramelized onions to create a delicious contrast.

‘Nduja Substitutes

If you can’t find ‘nduja or want to try something different, here are some great substitutes:

• Spicy chorizo: Spanish chorizo has a similar smoky, spicy flavour. You can blend it with olive oil or butter to mimic ‘nduja’s spreadable texture.
• Calabrian chili paste: This paste has a similar heat and tanginess. Mix it with softened butter or olive oil for a spreadable consistency.
• Sobrassada: A Spanish sausage similar to ‘nduja, it’s also spreadable and packed with paprika and spices, making it a great alternative.
• Hot Italian sausage: Crumble and cook hot Italian sausage, then blend it with some olive oil to replicate the texture and flavour profile.
• Harissa: While not exactly the same, this North African chili paste has a similar spicy, smoky flavour that can work in a pinch.

Storage Tips

Unopened ‘nduja sausage can last for quite a while due to its high-fat content and fermentation process. Here’s a general guide:

• Room Temperature: If it’s a whole, cured ‘nduja sausage and hasn’t been opened, it can last at room temperature for several months. Just make sure it’s stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Refrigeration: If you’re storing it in the fridge, an unopened ‘nduja can last even longer—up to 6-12 months.

Once opened, keep ‘nduja in an airtight container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 weeks.

For longer storage, you can freeze ‘nduja. Portion it into smaller amounts, wrap them well, and place them in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can last for up to 6 months in the freezer. Just thaw it in the fridge before use.

PS. Always use clean utensils when scooping out ‘nduja to prevent contamination.