Nduja Sandwich

History

Nduja — a soft, intensely spicy spreadable sausage made from pork and Calabrian chili peppers — is one of the most distinctive products of Calabria, Italy's southernmost mainland region. Its origins are rooted in cucina povera: the need to use every part of the pig, seasoned heavily with the fiery peperoncino that defines Calabrian cooking. As nduja spread beyond Calabria and became a global cult ingredient in the 2010s, the nduja sandwich — spread thickly on crusty bread and melted with cheese — became a beloved street food both in Calabria and in the trattorias and food markets of Italian cities. Bold, fatty and incendiary, it is one of Italy's most exciting sandwiches.

Ingredients

• Crusty ciabatta or pane di casa
• Nduja (Calabrian spicy spreadable sausage)
• Fior di latte mozzarella
• Roasted red peppers
• Fresh basil leaves
• Extra virgin olive oil

How to Make

1. 1Slice the ciabatta in half and drizzle the cut sides with olive oil.
2. 2Spread a generous layer of nduja onto both cut sides of the bread.
3. 3Lay slices of fior di latte mozzarella over the nduja.
4. 4Toast open-faced under the grill or in a hot oven until the nduja is melted and sizzling and the cheese is bubbling.
5. 5Top with strips of roasted red pepper and fresh basil leaves.
6. 6Close the sandwich, press gently and serve immediately.

Known for it

• Mi' Ndujo - MarconiVia G. Marconi, 82, 87036 Rende CS, Italy