‘Nduja di Spilinga is a fiery and flavorful delicacy from Spilinga, a small town in Calabria, Italy. This unique, spreadable salami is made with pork, Calabrian chili peppers, and salt, creating a soft texture and bold, spicy taste. Beloved for its versatility and heat, ‘Nduja has become a culinary treasure both in Italy and worldwide.


What Is ‘Nduja?

‘Nduja is a spreadable cured meat with a soft, almost creamy texture. It owes its distinctive spiciness and vibrant red color to the generous use of Calabrian chili peppers. Traditionally made using pork belly, jowl, and fat, it is seasoned, fermented, and smoked before aging.

Its spreadable consistency and bold flavor make it perfect for spreading on bread, stirring into sauces, or enhancing a variety of dishes.


The Origins of ‘Nduja di Spilinga

‘Nduja traces its humble origins to Calabria’s peasant cooking traditions. To make the most of available resources, farmers used less-desirable cuts of pork, blending them with abundant Calabrian chili peppers, which served both as a natural preservative and a powerful flavor enhancer.

Spilinga, a town in southern Calabria, gradually became the epicenter of ‘Nduja production, and today, its name is synonymous with the finest examples of this spicy salami. Over time, as its popularity grew, ‘Nduja gained recognition beyond its local roots. Eventually, it became a symbol of Calabria’s bold and rustic cuisine, celebrated for its unique flavor and versatility.


How ‘Nduja Is Made

Meat Preparation: Pork trimmings and fat are ground into a fine paste.

Seasoning: The mixture is heavily spiced with Calabrian chili peppers, adding both heat and a natural preservative.

Stuffing and Curing: The spiced mixture is stuffed into natural casings, fermented, lightly smoked, and aged for several weeks.

Result: A soft, spreadable salami with a vibrant red color and intense flavor.


How to Use ‘Nduja di Spilinga

‘Nduja’s versatility makes it a favorite in Italian kitchens. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

Spread on Bread: Serve it on warm, crusty bread as a simple yet flavorful appetizer.

Enhance Pasta Sauces: Stir a spoonful into tomato sauce for a spicy kick.

Pizza Topping: Dollop it on pizza for a burst of heat and flavor.

In Risotto: Mix it into risotto for a rich, spicy twist.

With Cheeses: Pair it with creamy cheeses like burrata or ricotta to balance its intensity.


Pairing ‘Nduja with Food and Drink

Cheese Pairings:

Creamy cheeses like mascarpone or ricotta.

Aged cheeses like Pecorino or Parmigiano Reggiano.

Wine Pairings:

A robust red like Calabrian Gaglioppo or Nero d’Avola.

For a lighter contrast, try a crisp white wine like Vermentino.

Bread: Pair with rustic Italian bread, focaccia, or grissini.


Where to Find ‘Nduja di Spilinga

You can source authentic ‘Nduja di Spilinga from Italian specialty stores or trusted online retailers. At Bottega Italiana, we offer premium ‘Nduja directly from Calabria, ensuring the highest quality and authenticity.


A Taste of Calabria

‘Nduja di Spilinga embodies the bold, spicy spirit of Calabria. Whether spread on bread, stirred into dishes, or enjoyed with cheese, it brings a unique heat and richness to every bite.

Have you enjoyed ‘Nduja before? Share your favorite recipes, creative uses, or perfect pairings in the comments below!

Photo by © Alice Wiegand