Ventricina Piccante

Available from Charcuterie Suzanne’s Delicatessen counters at Arkadia Foodstores Gozo & Portomaso

Ventricina Piccante is a distinctive Italian cured sausage celebrated for its robust flavors and fiery kick. Hailing from the Abruzzo region, this artisanal delicacy blends finely ground pork with a medley of aromatic spices such as fennel, black pepper, and paprika. What sets Ventricina Piccante apart is the infusion of red chili peppers, imparting a bold and spicy character to the meat.

The meticulous curing process involves air-drying the sausage for several weeks, allowing the flavors to intensify and the texture to firm up. The result is a rich, marbled sausage with a complex taste profile—savoury, slightly tangy, and undeniably spicy. Ventricina Piccante is often enjoyed thinly sliced as an appetizer, accompanied by crusty bread, or paired with aged cheeses. Its distinctive heat and artisanal craftsmanship make it a standout choice for those seeking a memorable and piquant culinary experience.

Recipe: Spicy Ventricina Piccante Pasta

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 400g penne pasta
• 200g Ventricina Piccante, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 400g cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Grated Parmesan cheese for serving

A wide variety of quality ingredients for our recipes are available from Arkadia supermarkets in Malta and Gozo, including Arkadia FoodExpress Swatar and Arkadia Food Market Valletta.

Method:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sauté until softened.

3. Add Ventricina Piccante slices to the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until they release their flavours.

4. Toss in cherry tomatoes and black olives. Cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until tomatoes are softened.

5. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir in fresh basil.

6. Add the cooked pasta to the pan, tossing everything together until well combined.

7. Serve the spicy Ventricina Piccante pasta in bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese.

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