Lardo di Colonnata is a unique delicacy coming from the small town of Colonnata in Tuscany, Italy. It’s made from pork belly, which is cured with a mix of herbs, salt, and garlic and then aged for months in the famous marble caves of Colonnata. The end product is a smooth and creamy slice of fat-rich goodness that melts in your mouth and adds flavor to anything it touches.
Now, the lardo di Colonnata alone is a sensational ingredient that can enhance a meal’s flavor, but when it’s paired with fish, it becomes something truly magical. Fish is a delicate protein that pairs beautifully with the richness of the lardo’s flavor.
When preparing this autumn recipe, it’s crucial to pay attention to the freshness of the fish. Ideally, you want to use fish that is caught locally and In-season. It should have firm flesh and an unmistakable fresh scent.
So, let’s get right into the recipe!
Ingredients:
– 4 fillets of fresh fish (sea bass, sea bream, or cod work best)
– 8 thin slices of lardo di Colonnata
– 2 tbsp of olive oil
– 1 juiced lemon
– Salt and pepper
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Season your fish fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon juice on both sides.
3. Take a baking dish and coat it with olive oil.
4. Lay out the lardo di Colonnata slices on a clean surface and place a fish fillet on top of each.
5. Roll up the lardo slice around the fish, making sure the fish is fully covered.
6. Place the lardo-wrapped fish fillets in the baking dish and cook in the oven for 15 minutes or until the fish is cooked .
7. After 15 minutes, remove the baking dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
8. Serve the lardo di Colonnata wrapped fish with a side dish of your choice and enjoy!
The result of this recipe is a perfect union of the lardo di Colonnata’s velvet texture, with the fresh flavors of the fish. You will experience a unique flavor profile that is both rich and delicate at the same time.
In conclusion, the lardo di Colonnata with fish is a fantastic autumn recipe that will become an instant classic for you and your friends. It’s easy to prepare, has minimal ingredients, and yields maximum flavor. So, get your apron on, grab your ingredients, and get ready to experience the true taste of Italy!