Spicy Salami Spread (Nduja)

4.9
(9)

I'm not saying this spicy salami spread is as good as traditional nduja, but it does take about 3 months' less time to make while still delivering most of the characteristics that make the Calabrian delicacy so amazing. And just in case you're not familiar with nduja, a few of those characteristics are a rich, spicy, super-savory flavor, and soft, luxurious texture. Present as a self-serve spread next to toasted bread or top with herbs for a crostini appetizer.

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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
5 mins
Additional Time:
8 hrs
Total Time:
8 hrs 20 mins
Servings:
16
Yield:
2 cups
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 16 servings

  • 4 ounces thinly sliced pancetta

  • cup Calabrian chili peppers in oil

  • 12 ounces sliced salami

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, or more as needed

  • ¼ cup butter, at room temperature

Directions

  1. Add pancetta to a cold pan. Cook over medium heat, tossing occasionally, until pancetta just starts to crisp up, 4 to 5 minutes.

  2. Remove pepper stems and, if desired, seeds. Reserve 2 or 3 tablespoons of the oil.

  3. Separate salami pieces slightly and place in a food processor. Add the pancetta, chili oil, and Calabrian peppers. Pulse on and off until mixture is finely ground. Add olive oil and butter. Process until as smooth and spreadable as desired.

  4. Transfer spread to a bowl. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate, 8 hours to overnight, for best flavor.

    close up view of toasted bread with Spicy Salami Spread garnished with fresh herbs, and another slice of toasted bread
    Chef John

Chef's Notes

You can substitute bacon for the pancetta, but since bacon is smoked, your final product will taste significantly different.

Any decent Italian market should carry the oil-packed Calabrian chilies, but you can find them online as well. Or, use another spicy, jarred pepper product like sambal, or simply use fresh hot chilies like Fresno or cherry peppers. If it's spicy and a pepper, it will work.

I used soppressata and Calabrese salami, though any salami will work here.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

138 Calories
12g Fat
1g Carbs
6g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 16
Calories 138
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 12g 16%
Saturated Fat 5g 23%
Cholesterol 31mg 10%
Sodium 518mg 23%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Protein 6g 11%
Calcium 3mg 0%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 93mg 2%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.