Italia 33 Magazine - 08 2018-64
Italia 33 Magazine - 08 2018-64
Italia 33 Magazine - 08 2018-64
COM/WSNWS
C O O K I TA L I A !
SPECK
Speck (IGP) is a speciality of Alto Adige. The ham is marinated for a couple
of weeks in an aromatic brine which includes pepper, garlic, nutmeg and
juniper. It is then dried and slowly cold-smoked (at a temperature less than
20°C), after which it is hung for between four and five months. It has a
robust and intense flavour, and because it is both salt-cured and smoked,
it is one of the more versatile of Italian salumi. That is to say, it can be
enjoyed naturally, in its own right, like Parma ham, or it can withstand the
rigours of the kitchen and be cooked. Speck works particularly well with
soft cheeses and the following two recipes – cooked and uncooked – will
help to demonstrate its versatility.
1 Begin by wrapping the tomino cheese in two slices of speck. The cheese is best cooked on • ½ tsp salt
a griddle – if you don’t have one, use a heavy-based pan instead. Before cooking the FOR THE TOPPING
cheese, lightly brush the bread with olive oil, then toast on the griddle. Place the • 8-10 slices of speck, cut in half
2 Next, place the wrapped tomino cheese on the hot griddle and cook for 2-3 minutes on cheese is a good substitute)
each side. The cheese will puff up slightly, which means it is ready. Serve the cheese on • a few tbsp hazelnuts, finely chopped
top of the bruschetta with some lettuce, tomatoes, and a trickle of olive oil. • extra-virgin olive oil