16 Recipe For Making Italian Speck Experience Culinary Bliss Now!
Published on: Mar 18, 2024
Italian speck is a delicious cured meat that has been enjoyed for centuries in Italian cuisine. This flavorful pork delicacy is made by salting, curing and smoking a section of pork leg. With its rich, smoky flavor and tender texture, speck is a popular ingredient in many Italian dishes, from antipasti to pastas to pizzas. Making your own speck at home may seem like a daunting task, but with this simple recipe, you can create your own delicious and authentic Italian speck right in your own kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto, Speck, Mortadella
If you're looking for a tasty and unique way to serve chicken, try making it into a delicious beer can chicken! This cooking method results in tender, juicy meat with crispy skin, making it a favorite among many. But why stick to traditional seasoning when you can spice it up with Italian flavors? A salumi board-inspired beer can chicken is sure to impress your guests and leave them wanting more. Here's how to make it.
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Zuppa di orzo (Italian Barley Soup)
Main Ingredients: Medium Onion, Celery, Medium Carrot, Speck, Salt
While beer can chicken is often seen as a main dish, why not incorporate it into a soup for a hearty and comforting meal? This Italian barley soup, also known as zuppa di orzo, is packed with flavor from the chicken broth, herbs, and crispy speck added at the end. The tender chunks of chicken will make this soup a filling and delicious meal for any occasion.
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Robiola and Crispy Speck Risotto
Main Ingredients: Carnaroli, Vegetable Broth, Yellow Onion, Butter, Dry
Risotto is a classic Italian dish that can be adapted in many ways. For a unique twist, try adding crispy speck and creamy robiola cheese to your risotto. The salty and savory flavors from the speck will balance perfectly with the rich and creamy cheese, resulting in a decadent and delicious dish. Serve it as a side or a main course for a special dinner.
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Pumpkin Gnocchi with Speck, Walnuts and Parmesan Cream.
Main Ingredients: Pumpkin, Cubed Speck, Rosemary, Walnuts, Extra Virgin
Gnocchi is a staple in Italian cuisine, and it can be paired with a variety of sauces and toppings. For a fall-inspired dish, try making pumpkin gnocchi with a topping of speck, walnuts, and parmesan cream. The combination of sweet pumpkin, salty and crispy speck, and nutty flavors from the walnuts will make this a standout meal that your family and friends will love.
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Involtini di cavolo con patate e funghi
Main Ingredients: Savoy Cabbage Leaves, Potatoes, Butter, Milk, Grated
Involtini is a traditional Italian dish that consists of thinly sliced meat rolled around a filling. In this variation, cabbage leaves are used as the "meat" and filled with potatoes, mushrooms, and speck. The rolls are then baked in the oven until tender and topped with a rich and flavorful tomato sauce. This hearty and delicious dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner.
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Chicken Involtini with Fontina, Speck and Peas
Main Ingredients: Schnitzels, Speck, Fontina Cheese, Onion, Extra Virgin
For a more traditional take on involtini, try making it with chicken breast instead of cabbage. In this recipe, the chicken is stuffed with fontina cheese, speck, and peas, giving it a burst of flavor and texture. The rolls are then baked in a creamy and flavorful tomato sauce, making it a perfect dish for any occasion.
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Speck and Mushroom Pappardelle
Main Ingredients: Speck, Mushrooms, Cream, Shallot, Garlic Clove
Pappardelle is a type of flat pasta that is perfect for soaking up rich and flavorful sauces. In this recipe, pappardelle is paired with sautéed mushrooms and speck for a delicious and savory meal. The addition of fresh herbs and parmesan cheese takes this dish to the next level, making it a restaurant-worthy meal that you can make at home.
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Speck Ham Cheesy Cauliflower
Main Ingredients: Cauliflower, Speck, Unsalted Butter, Flour, Milk
Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that can be used in a variety of dishes, and it pairs perfectly with speck. In this recipe, cauliflower is roasted in the oven with speck and topped with a creamy and cheesy sauce. This dish is perfect as a side or a main course and is a great way to sneak in some veggies for picky eaters.
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Cheesy Speck and Mushroom Pizza
Main Ingredients: Flour, Dried Yeast, Lukewarm Water, Olive Oil, Sugar
Pizza is always a crowd-pleaser, and this cheesy speck and mushroom pizza is no exception. The combination of salty and crispy speck with earthy mushrooms and gooey cheese will have everyone reaching for another slice. It's easy to make at home and can be customized with your favorite toppings.
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Quiche with Asparagus and Speck
Main Ingredients: Puff Pastry, Eggs, Asparagus, Speck, Gruyere Cheese
Quiche is a classic brunch dish that can be made with a variety of fillings. This version combines asparagus and speck for a flavorful and unique twist. The tender and flaky crust paired with the creamy and savory filling will make this quiche a hit at any brunch or breakfast gathering.
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Speck, Potato And Cheese Souffle
Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Onion, Butter, Grated Parmesan, Milk, Grated
Souffle is a delicate and impressive dish that is perfect for a fancy dinner party. This version adds in speck, potatoes, and cheese for a hearty and flavorful twist. The light and fluffy souffle paired with the savory and crispy speck will make this dish a standout on any dinner table.
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Speck and Arugula Pizza
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, Semolina Flour, Marinara, Speck
For a lighter and fresher take on pizza, try making a speck and arugula pizza. The peppery arugula pairs perfectly with the salty and crispy speck, making it a delicious and balanced meal. Top it off with some shaved parmesan cheese for an extra kick of flavor.
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Paccheri With Porcini, Speck And Pistachio
Main Ingredients: Paccheri, Porcini Mushrooms, Speck, Milk, Parmesan
Paccheri is a type of large pasta that is perfect for holding onto rich and flavorful sauces. In this recipe, paccheri is paired with porcini mushrooms, speck, and pistachios for a hearty and delicious meal. The combination of earthy mushrooms, salty speck, and crunchy pistachios will make this dish a favorite among your family and friends.
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Maple Glazed Speck Wrapped Carrots
Main Ingredients: Greens, Speck, Pure Maple Syrup
Carrots are a staple vegetable that can often be overlooked, but not in this recipe. The addition of speck and a sweet and tangy maple glaze will transform simple carrots into a standout side dish. The crispy speck adds a salty and savory element to the dish, making it a perfect accompaniment to any meal.
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Pappardelle with Mushrooms and Speck
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Onion, Garlic Clove, Fresh
If you love pasta, you'll love this pappardelle with mushrooms and speck. The tender and flavorful mushrooms, combined with the rich and crispy speck, create a delicious sauce for the pappardelle. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or a dinner party with friends.
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Asiago Roasted Brussels Sprouts With Crispy Speck
Main Ingredients: Brussels Sprouts, Speck, Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper
Brussels sprouts are a polarizing vegetable, but this recipe may change some minds. The brussels sprouts are roasted with speck and topped with creamy asiago cheese, resulting in a flavorful and delicious side dish. The crispy speck adds a nice crunch to the dish, making it a perfect addition to any meal.
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Blue Cheese Stuffed Figs with Speck
Main Ingredients: Figs, Parsley, Blue Cheese Crumbles, Chopped Pecans
Figs and blue cheese are a classic flavor combination, and they pair perfectly with speck. In this recipe, figs are stuffed with blue cheese and wrapped in crispy speck for a delicious and elegant appetizer. The salty and savory flavors from the speck balance out the sweetness of the figs and blue cheese, resulting in a perfect bite.
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Braised Chicken With Dutch Creams, Speck And Tarragon
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Speck, Organic Chicken, Salt
This braised chicken dish is full of flavor and perfect for a cozy dinner. The chicken is cooked in a rich and flavorful sauce with speck, potatoes, and tarragon. The crispy speck adds a nice texture to the dish, and the tarragon adds a fresh and herbaceous note.
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Speckenwolf Pizza With Mozzarella, Oregano, Onion,...
Main Ingredients: Pizza Dough, All Purpose Flour, Fine Sea Salt, Fresh
For a unique and delicious pizza, try making a speckenwolf pizza. This pizza is loaded with mozzarella, oregano, onions, and, of course, speck. The combination of flavors and textures will make this pizza a favorite among your family and friends. Customize it with your favorite toppings for a personalized twist.
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Speck, Cabbage And Pea Soup
Main Ingredients: Olive Oil, Speck, Potatoes, Onion, Garlic Cloves
If you're looking for a hearty and comforting soup, this speck, cabbage, and pea soup is the perfect choice. The crispy speck adds a nice texture to the soup, while the cabbage and peas provide a variety of textures. The combination of flavors from the speck, vegetables, and herbs will make this soup a go-to for cold winter nights.
Ingredients and Supplies
To make Italian speck, you will need a few key ingredients and supplies. These include:
Pork Leg
The main ingredient in speck is a section of pork leg, also known as a ham or prosciutto. You can purchase this from your local butcher or supermarket. Make sure to choose a high-quality cut of meat for the best results.
Salt
Salt is an essential ingredient in the curing process of speck. Use a coarse salt, such as kosher or sea salt, for best results.
Herbs and Spices
To add flavor to your speck, you can use a variety of herbs and spices such as juniper berries, bay leaves, peppercorns, and fennel seeds.
Smoker or Smoking Box
To achieve the signature smoky flavor of speck, you will need a smoker or a smoking box. If you do not have a smoker, you can use a stovetop smoking box or a grill with a smoking attachment.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pork Leg
Begin by trimming any excess fat from the pork leg. Then, using a sharp knife, score the surface of the meat in a crisscross pattern. This will help the salt and spices penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Salt Cure
In a large bowl, mix together a generous amount of salt with your desired herbs and spices. Rub this mixture all over the pork leg, making sure to cover all sides. Place the leg in a large ziplock bag and seal it tightly. Place the bag in the refrigerator and let it cure for 2-3 weeks.
Step 3: Rinse and Dry
After 2-3 weeks, remove the leg from the bag and rinse off the salt mixture. Pat the leg dry with paper towels and let it air dry for a few hours.
Step 4: Smoke
If you have a smoker, follow the manufacturer's instructions to smoke the speck for 4-6 hours. If using a stovetop smoking box or grill, place the leg in the box or on the grill and smoke for 1-2 hours.
Step 5: Let it Rest
After smoking, let the speck rest for a few hours to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 6: Enjoy!
Your homemade Italian speck is now ready to be enjoyed! Slice it thinly and use it in your favorite Italian dishes or enjoy it on its own as a tasty appetizer.
With this simple recipe, you can create your own delicious speck that will impress your family and friends. So why not give it a try and add a taste of Italy to your next meal?