Nduja is a spicy, spreadable Italian pork salumi. This delicious and versatile paste is perfect for adding a kick of flavor to pasta dishes, sandwiches, and more. In just 13 simple steps, you can make your own Nduja paste to spice up your meals!

1. Gather ingredients: To make Nduja paste, you’ll need pork shoulder, fatback, kosher salt, Calabrian chili powder, sweet paprika, sugar, ground black pepper, red wine, and curing salt.

2. Trim the pork: Remove any silver skin or connective tissue from the pork shoulder. Cut it into 1-inch pieces.

3. Prepare the fat: Cut the fatback into small cubes.

4. Mix dry ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine kosher salt, Calabrian chili powder, sweet paprika, sugar, ground black pepper, and curing salt.

5. Marinate the meat: Toss the pork shoulder and fatback in the spice mixture until they’re evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight to let the flavors develop.

6. Prepare grinder: Set up a meat grinder with a medium-fine plate attachment.

7. Grind marinated meat: Place a large bowl under the grinder output and grind the pork shoulder mixture into it.

8. Add red wine: Slowly stir in red wine to achieve a thick paste consistency.

9. Taste and adjust seasonings: Give your Nduja paste a taste test and adjust by adding more salt or spices if desired.

10. Stuff into casings (optional): If you want to create a traditional tubular shape for your Nduja paste use a sausage stuffer attachment on your meat grinder to stuff it into hog casings.

11. Fermentation (optional): Allow the stuffed casings to ferment at room temperature for 24 to 48 hours. This helps develop the characteristic flavor of Nduja.

12. Proper storage: Transfer the paste into sterilized glass jars, making sure to pack it down tightly, or store the stuffed casings in a refrigerator with an average temperature of 40°F (4°C) for two to three weeks.

13. Enjoy! Use your homemade Nduja paste in a variety of dishes, like pasta sauces, stews, or spread on crusty bread.

Give this spicy and flavorful homemade Nduja paste a try and add an authentic Italian touch to your culinary creations!