Recipe Guide for Nduja Pasta
Nduja
Equipment
- Equipment Needed
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large pan for sauce
- Wooden spoon
- Cheese grater (if grating Pecorino)
Ingredients
- Ingredients:
- 400 g 14 oz short pasta (like penne or Fileja, which is traditional in Calabria)
- 70 g 2.5 oz Nduja (adjust based on your spice tolerance)
- 400 g 14 oz canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 garlic clove whole and peeled
- Olive oil for cooking
- Salt to taste
- Pecorino cheese for serving
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente (follow package instructions).
- Prepare the sauce: While the pasta is cooking, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the whole garlic clove and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add the Nduja: Break up the Nduja into the pan and let it melt into the oil, stirring occasionally.
- Simmer the sauce: Add the canned tomatoes and a pinch of salt, stirring to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Once the pasta is cooked, transfer it into the pan with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, ensuring it’s well-coated.
- Serve: Dish the pasta into bowls, and top with freshly grated Pecorino cheese.
- Tips and Variations:
- Spice level: Adjust the amount of Nduja based on your heat preference. You can use less if you're sensitive to spice.
- Pasta shapes: While Fileja is traditional, you can substitute with any short pasta like penne or rigatoni.
- Adding herbs: For a bit of freshness, consider adding a sprinkle of fresh basil or oregano at the end.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the Nduja with a plant-based spicy sausage or tomato-based chili paste for a similar flavor without the meat.
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Zio Leo here!
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