A Guide to Enjoying Coteghino Italian Deli Meat

An Introduction to Coteghino Deli Meat

Coteghino is a type of Italian deli meat that is made from pork and is similar to sausage. It origins can be traced back to the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy. Coteghino is a specialty item that can be found in many Italian delis and specialty food stores, especially in areas with large Italian immigrant populations.

What is Coteghino?

Coteghino is made from the shank meat of a pig that has been seasoned, stuffed into a casing, cured, and cooked. It has a texture and flavor that is comparable to salami but the size and shape make it more similar to a sausage.

Traditionally, coteghino uses the shank meat from the leg of a pig, which has more fat compared to other cuts. The fat content gives coteghino its unique soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Seasonings like salt, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg complement the rich pork flavor.

The Curing and Cooking Process

The curing process is essential for developing coteghino's signature flavor. The meat and fat are ground up and mixed with seasonings before stuffing into a natural casing. Coteghino is then hung and cured, allowing the flavors to permeate throughout. This takes between two to three weeks.

After curing, coteghino must be cooked thoroughly before it can be sliced and eaten. The cooking time depends on the diameter but usually takes 2-3 hours either boiling, steaming, or braising. Proper cooking renders excess fat and brings the interior temperature to a safe level.

How to Serve Coteghino

Sliced coteghino makes for an excellent appetizer or antipasto. It can be served as part of a charcuterie board alongside cheeses, nuts, olives, and pickled vegetables. For a heartier meal, sliced coteghino is fantastic in soups or stews.

Coteghino is also traditionally served with lentils on New Year's Eve in Italy for good luck and prosperity in the coming year. The acidity of the lentil broth cuts through the richness of the fatty pork for a balanced, savory bite.

Where to Buy Coteghino

Authentic Italian coteghino can be difficult to find in regular grocery stores. Your best bet is to check specialty Italian markets or delis, especially those that make sausages and other cured meats in-house. Well-stocked butcher shops may also carry coteghino.

You can also find high-quality coteghino online from Italian food importers. This gives you access to coteghino makers from different regions of Italy.

Key Characteristics of Coteghino

When shopping for coteghino, keep an eye out for these key characteristics to find the best quality:

• Made from pork shank meat with visible cubes of fat
• Seasoned with spices like black pepper, clove, and nutmeg
• Cured for 2-3 weeks to develop signature flavor
• Cooked thoroughly until tender and sliceable
• Bright red interior with some white fat marbling

High standards for ingredients, curing, and cooking all go into making great coteghino that lives up to the Italian delicacy's reputation.

Coteghino Recipes

Here are just a few delicious ways to enjoy coteghino deli meat:

Coteghino with Lentils

The classic Italian New Years dish with coteghino sliced and served over warm lentils dressed in olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and fresh herbs.

Coteghino Potato Salad

For a heartier salad, slice and mix coteghino with red potatoes, fresh parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Pasta with Coteghino

Slice coteghino and sauté to render and brown the fat, then toss with roasted garlic and olive oil. Mix with hot pasta for a rich, meaty pasta sauce.

Minestrone Soup with Coteghino

Elevate a classic minestrone soup by adding bite-size slices of coteghino along with beans, vegetables, pasta, and Parmesan cheese.

Is Coteghino Worth Trying?

If you enjoy salami and soppressata, then coteghino is definitely worth having on your charcuterie platter. While unique, the flavored pork pairs nicely with other Italian cured meats and cheeses. Coteghino also shines when featured in hearty winter dishes and makes a great alternative to sausage.

Seeking out authentic high-quality coteghino offers a tasty exploration into Italian food traditions. With the right approach to cutting, cooking, and saucing, coteghino can be amazingly delicious.

FAQs

What is coteghino made of?

Coteghino is made from pork shank meat that is seasoned, cured, stuffed into casings, and cooked.

Is coteghino spicy?

Traditional coteghino recipes use spices like black pepper, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg to flavor the meat but it is not considered spicy.

How do you cook coteghino?

Popular cooking methods for coteghino include boiling, steaming, braising, and pan frying. It takes around 2 to 3 hours to cook through.

How long does coteghino last?

Properly stored coteghino will last 3 to 4 weeks refrigerated or several months frozen. Once cooked, it lasts safely in the fridge for about a week.