What is Lardo di Colonnata?
Lardo di Colonnata is a renowned cured pork fat from Tuscany, Italy. It is made by layering pork fatback with sea salt, garlic, rosemary, and various spices, and then curing it in marble containers for several months. This unique process creates a delicate flavor and a melt-in-your-mouth texture that pairs perfectly with crusty bread or as a luxurious ingredient in pasta dishes.
What You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds of high-quality pork fatback
- 1/2 cup of sea salt
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of freshly ground black pepper
- 4 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon of mixed spices (optional)
Step 1: Preparing the Pork Fatback
Start by trimming any excess skin or connective tissue from the pork fatback. You want to have a clean piece of fat without any lean meat. Once trimmed, cut it into manageable pieces that will fit into your curing container.
Step 2: Layering and Seasoning
Take your curing container, preferably a marble one as traditionally used, and sprinkle a layer of sea salt on the bottom. Place one piece of pork fatback on top of the salt, ensuring it covers the entire bottom surface. Sprinkle another layer of sea salt, minced garlic, ground black pepper, and a few rosemary leaves. Repeat this process until you have used all the pork fatback.
Step 3: Curing Process
Cover the container tightly with a lid or plastic wrap and place it in a cool, dark place. The ideal temperature for curing Lardo di Colonnata is around 50°F (10°C). Let it cure for at least 6 months, flipping the pieces every 2-3 weeks to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Step 4: Enjoying Your Lardo di Colonnata
Once the curing period is over, your homemade Lardo di Colonnata is ready to be enjoyed! Remove the fatback from the curing container and scrape off any excess seasonings. Thinly slice the Lardo using a sharp knife and savor its delicate flavor. It can be served alone, as a topping for bruschetta, or finely grated over pasta – the possibilities are endless!
Homemade Lardo di Colonnata is a true labor of love, requiring patience and precise execution. However, the satisfaction of creating this exquisite Italian delicacy from scratch is unparalleled. So why not give it a try and elevate your culinary skills to new heights?
Happy curing and bon appétit!