What You’ll Need
- 5 pounds of fresh pork shoulder
- 1 pound of pork fatback
- 1/4 cup of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of fennel seeds
- 1 tablespoon of crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon of Instacure No. 2
Step 1: Prepare the Meat
Take the pork shoulder and pork fatback and cut them into small chunks. Make sure to remove any tough connective tissues or bones. Place the meat chunks in a large mixing bowl.
Step 2: Season the Meat
- In a separate bowl, combine kosher salt, paprika, fennel seeds, crushed red pepper flakes, garlic powder, sugar, and Instacure No. 2.
- Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the meat chunks and mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
Step 3: Grind the Meat
Using a meat grinder, grind the seasoned meat chunks together. Choose a medium grind for the best texture. If you don’t have a meat grinder, you can ask your local butcher to grind the meat for you.
Step 4: Sausage Casings
Soak natural sausage casings in warm water for about 30 minutes to soften them. Rinse them with cold water and set aside.
Step 5: Stuff the Casings
- Attach the sausage-stuffing attachment to the meat grinder or use a dedicated sausage stuffer.
- Feed the sausage casings onto the stuffer and begin filling them with the ground meat mixture.
- Twist the filled casings at regular intervals to form individual salami links.
Step 6: Age the Salami
Hang the formed salami links in a cool, dry place, such as a basement or curing chamber. Maintain a temperature of around 55°F and 75% humidity.
Step 7: Wait Patiently
Allow the salami to age for about 4-5 weeks. During this time, the flavors will develop, and the salami will become firm.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Once the aging process is complete, your homemade Calabrese salami is ready to be enjoyed! Slice it thinly and serve it on a charcuterie board, in sandwiches, or alongside your favorite Italian dishes.
Making Calabrese salami at home is a rewarding experience that allows you to customize the flavors to your liking. Follow this step-by-step guide, and you’ll produce a delicious and authentic salami that will impress your family and friends. Buon appetito!