Although the term “salami” is still quite new to many people, this ingredient is very common in pizza, hamburger, and more. So what is salami? How many types of salami are there? How do you eat salami correctly, and how do you prepare it? Let’s find out together!
1 What is Salami?
Salami is a type of sausage with a solid, firm texture and a delicious flavor.
Salami is a type of sausage with a solid, firm texture (much firmer than regular sausages) made from fermented and dried meat. Depending on the region, salami can be made from one or more types of meat. Salami made from pork is the most common.
The seasoning for salami is quite simple: salt, garlic, black pepper, paprika, mace, dill, and cinnamon. In many regions, red wine is also added to give the salami a spicier taste and a deeper red color.
Origin:
Salami originated in Southern Europe and is famous worldwide.
Salami is a traditional food in Southern Europe and has been enjoyed for many decades. Today, it remains a favorite among the locals.
In Bulgaria, Romania, and Turkey, salami is called Salam, while in Hungary, it is known as szalámi.
Although salami is popular worldwide, with each region having its unique flavor, Italian salami is the most famous and considered the most delicious.
2 What Types of Salami Are There?
German Salami
German Salami Bratwurst
German Salami Bratwurst is the highest quality and most popular type of salami in Germany. Bratwurst can be made from beef, pork, or veal mince, seasoned and stuffed into long sections.
Bratwurst has a mild taste, a strong smoky aroma, and is not spicy. To make it more palatable, you can dip it in various sauces when eating.
German Salami Bockwurst
There is another type of German salami called Bockwurst. Bockwurst is made from veal and pork mince, sometimes with the addition of lamb, turkey, and even horse meat.
Similar to Bratwurst, Bockwurst also has a mild taste, but its aroma is stronger due to the use of more pungent meats. The best way to prepare Bockwurst is to grill it and sprinkle it with salt, chili powder, white pepper, parsley, and chives.
Italian Salami
Italian Genoa Salami
Genoa Salami is a type of fresh Italian sausage. Genoa is made from pork and veal, seasoned with garlic, pepper, and red wine. Genoa salami is usually cut into thin slices and sandwiched in ciabatta. Genoa has a mild taste, without a strong, pungent aroma, and has a slight peppery flavor.
Italian Turkey Salami
Turkey salami is also famous in Italy and is made from black turkey meat, seasoned with garlic and other spices. Turkey salami is usually sliced and served with crispy grissini or bread. Turkey salami has a rich flavor and can be eaten on its own. It has a strong garlic taste and a spicy kick from the chili powder.
English Salami
English Salami Cumberland has a beautiful spiral shape.
Cumberland is the most famous type of salami in the UK. English Salami Cumberland is made from beef mixed with black and white pepper and shaped into a spiral. Cumberland is known for its rich flavor and high fat content compared to other salami in England.
South African Salami
South African Salami Merguez
South Africa also has its unique type of salami called Merguez. It is made from beef and lamb seasoned with the traditional harissa chili paste. Merguez salami has a distinctive spicy and rich flavor.
Spanish Salami
Spanish Salami Chorizo
Chorizo is a type of salami made from minced pork and pork fat, seasoned with red chili, paprika, and salt, giving Spanish salami its unique flavor. Chorizo is best grilled over charcoal and served with crispy bread or fresh salad. Spanish salami has a rich, salty, and spicy flavor due to the influence of Mediterranean cuisine.
American Salami
American Pepperoni Salami
Pepperoni is a type of salami that combines Italian and American flavors. It is made from pork and beef seasoned with spices and chili powder. Pepperoni is soft and has a bright red color. It is a popular ingredient in American pizzerias. Pepperoni has a mild taste, and its aroma is not overpowering, mainly consisting of a meaty fragrance.
3 Where to Buy Salami?
Salami is a popular food and is widely imported into Vietnam. Therefore, you can find salami at large supermarkets or imported food stores.
Salami is sold in many large supermarkets across the country.
Currently, many places offer to buy salami directly from foreign countries. However, if you don’t have solid knowledge about salami, it’s best not to buy it to avoid counterfeits and low-quality products. It is recommended to buy from reputable supermarkets to ensure quality.
4 How to Eat Salami Properly?
As an Appetizer
In Vietnam, salami is commonly served in European restaurants. Typically, salami is sliced thinly and served as an appetizer.
Quickly grilled salami is also delicious.
When grilled, the smoky aroma of salami becomes more prominent, and the outer layer becomes crispier.
In Pizzas
Pepperoni Pizza, a famous American dish.
In Hamburgers
Hamburger with Salami
Thinly sliced or quickly grilled salami goes well with hamburgers.
In Sandwiches
Sandwich with Salami
5 How to Prepare Salami?
Ingredients for Salami
- Whole or minced meat.
- Tubes or food-grade plastic bags.
- Spices: salt, sugar, chili powder, flavor powders (optional: cinnamon, paprika, etc.), and yeast.
How to Make Salami
Choose the type of meat for your salami.
Mince the meat and fat and season with spices.