Italian
Crostino with Flavored Lardo
by Gambero Rosso · 452K subscribers on YouTube
A homemade lardo cured with aromatic herbs and spices, aged for months, then chopped into a flavorful paste and served on crispy bread.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- medium
Ingredients
14 items- LardoA piece of pork back fat or belly fat, skin on
- Coarse SaltFor the curing base and for seasoning the skin
- 2 pcsJuniper BerriesFor the curing base, plus 2 more for the final battuto
- 2 pcsSageFresh sage leaves
- RosemaryFresh sprig for curing and more fresh for the final battuto
- Timo SerpilloFresh thyme; also used fresh in the final battuto
- 3 pcsGarlic1 clove for the curing base, 2 whole heads sliced for placing on the lardo
- White WineGenerous amount for the curing base and to cover the lardo
- PepperTo season the skin of the lardo
- Fennel FrondsFennel seeds or wild fennel, for the final battuto
- Chili PepperA small piece of chili pepper for the final battuto
- LemonZest of untreated lemon for the final battuto
- PaprikaA pinch, optional, mentioned but not essential
- BreadSlices of bread for toasting
Method
- Prepare the aromatic base: place coarse salt, juniper berries, sage leaves, rosemary sprig, thyme, a clove of garlic, and a generous amount of white wine in a marble container.
- Season the lardo: rub the skin side with a little salt and pepper. Slice two heads of garlic and place the slices on the lardo.
- Place the lardo in the container with the aromatics. Add more white wine to just cover. Let it age for 4-5 months in a cool place.
- After aging, remove the lardo and cut off the rind. Chop the lardo into small pieces.
- Prepare a fresh aromatic mix: chop together rosemary, thyme, 2 juniper berries (crushed), fennel seeds, a bit of chili pepper, and lemon zest. Add this mixture to the chopped lardo and continue chopping until it forms a spreadable paste.
- Toast slices of bread. Spread the lardo battuto on the hot toast and serve immediately.
Gambero Rosso
Professional chefReviewer452K subscribers on YouTube155.8M total channel viewsIl canale YouTube di Gambero Rosso, la società leader in Italia e nel mondo nei settori del mangiare e del bere attraverso editoria, tv, eventi, formazione.
