These Curved Sausage is a traditional Calabrian salami known as Soppressata Calabrese. This salami is distinct from the American-style pepperoni but shares similarities in its spicy flavour profile, making it a beloved ingredient in Southern Italian cuisine. Many families in Calabria still make soppressata using traditional methods passed down through generations, often as part of a communal activity during the winter months.
Characteristics:
- Ingredients:
- Pork: Made from high-quality cuts of pork, including lean meat and fat, often from the shoulder or thigh.
- Spices: The sausage is seasoned with a mix of salt, black pepper, and, crucially, Calabrian chili peppers. These peppers give the soppressata its characteristic heat.
- Red Wine and Garlic: Often, red wine and garlic are added to enhance the flavour, lending depth and a slight tanginess.
- Preparation:
- Grinding and Seasoning: The pork is coarsely ground and mixed with spices, red wine, and garlic.
- Stuffing: The seasoned meat is stuffed into natural casings, usually made from pig intestines.
- Pressing: Traditionally, soppressata is pressed under weights to give it its characteristic flattened, curved shape.
- Curing: The sausage is hung to cure in a cool, dry environment for several weeks to months. The curing process allows the flavours to develop and intensify.
- Shape and Appearance:
- Curved Shape: Unlike straight sausages, soppressata often has a slightly curved or flattened appearance due to the pressing process during preparation.
- Colour: The sausage has a deep red colour, owing to the Calabrian chili peppers and the curing process.
- Flavour Profile:
- Spicy: The use of Calabrian chili peppers gives this sausage a notable heat, which is balanced by the savoury flavours of the pork.
- Rich and Savory: The blend of spices, wine, and garlic results in a complex, rich taste.
- Slight Tanginess: The red wine contributes a subtle acidity that complements the richness of the meat.
- Serving Suggestions:
- Antipasto Platter: Sliced thin and served with cheeses, olives, and bread as part of a traditional Italian antipasto.
- Pizza Topping: Can be used as a spicy topping for pizzas, similar to how pepperoni is used in the United States.
- Sandwiches: Slices of soppressata can add a flavourful punch to sandwiches or panini.
- Cooking: It can also be diced and used in cooking, such as in pasta dishes, stews, or sautéed with vegetables.
