Nduja Suppli Recipe: Spicy, Cheesy Italian Delight

Nduja suppli might just be the most exciting Italian appetizer you've yet to try. A perfect blend of spice, cheese, and the rich, comforting texture of risotto, nduja suppli elevates traditional suppli to a whole new level with the addition of nduja, a spicy, spreadable sausage from Calabria. Here’s how you can make your own at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup Arborio rice
• ¹⁄₂ cup of dry white wine (optional)
• 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 100g of nduja
• 100g of mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
• 50g of grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup of breadcrumbs
• Oil for deep frying
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparing the Risotto

First off, let’s make the risotto which forms the base of our suppli:

1. In a large pan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion until translucent, then add garlic.
2. Add Arborio rice to the pan, toasting it for a minute or so until the grains become slightly translucent around the edges. If using wine, pour it in now and let it simmer until it’s mostly evaporated.
3. Start adding the broth one ladle at a time, ensuring to stir continuously. Wait until the previous ladle of broth has been absorbed before adding more. Continue this process until the rice is cooked al dente.
4. Off the heat, stir in the nduja until it melts into the rice, providing a rich, spicy note. Then add the Parmesan cheese, mixing well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

🌶️ Note: Nduja is quite spicy, so adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. You can always start with less and add more if needed.

Assembling the Suppli

With the risotto made, let’s move on to assembling the suppli:

1. Once the risotto cools down a bit, prepare your workspace for stuffing the suppli.
2. Take a handful of risotto, flatten it in your palm, place a cube of mozzarella in the center, and then cover it with more risotto, forming a ball or an elongated oval shape.
3. Set up three stations: one with beaten eggs, another with breadcrumbs, and the last for the assembled suppli balls.
4. Dip each suppli in the egg, allowing excess to drip off, then roll generously in breadcrumbs.

Frying the Suppli

The final step is frying these delightful bites:

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer or a deep pan to around 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test the oil by dropping a breadcrumb in; if it sizzles and rises to the top, it’s ready.
2. Fry the suppli in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Cook them until they turn a beautiful golden brown, usually around 3-4 minutes.
3. Remove the suppli with a slotted spoon, letting excess oil drain on paper towels.

🔥 Note: Be cautious when frying as the cheese inside can get very hot. Allow the suppli to cool slightly before biting into them to avoid burns.

To wrap up, this nduja suppli recipe promises to delight your palate with its blend of creamy risotto, the heat from the nduja, and the gooey mozzarella inside. It’s not just a dish; it's an experience, bringing a unique taste of Italy to your kitchen.

Can I make nduja suppli ahead of time?

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Yes, you can prepare the suppli up to the breadcrumb stage and refrigerate them. When ready to serve, simply fry as instructed. However, note that the cheese might not be as melty if stored for too long.

What can I use if I can’t find nduja?

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You can substitute nduja with spicy sausage, chorizo, or even harissa paste for a different but equally spicy and flavorful suppli. Adjust the quantity to match the desired heat level.

How do I keep the suppli from bursting during frying?

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Ensure the suppli are well chilled before frying; this helps to set the shape. Also, avoid overcrowding the fryer, maintain the oil temperature, and try not to poke or prod the suppli while frying.