How to eat Colonnata lard? Tips and pairings

Lardo di Colonnata is a unique product, with a soft texture and an unmistakable flavor . The result of a craftsmanship passed down through generations, it is aged in marble basins with select spices, which give it a delicate aroma and creamy texture. But what's the best way to enjoy it? To fully appreciate its qualities, it's essential to know how to cut, combine, and store it . Let's discover all the secrets to enhancing its authentic flavor.

How to Cut Colonnata Lard

To fully enjoy the characteristics of Lardo di Colonnata, it's essential to start with the correct cut . The cut influences the consistency in the mouth and the lard's ability to melt, releasing its unique flavor. To obtain perfect slices, follow these steps:

- Remove the top part of the lard, eliminating the outer crust that forms during the seasoning process.
- Lightly score the bottom rind , without removing it completely, to make it easier to cut the slices.
- Remove any salt residue left on the surface.
- Cut the lard into very thin, almost transparent slices , using a sharp, smooth-bladed knife or a slicer.

Thin slices are essential because they allow the lard to melt delicately in your mouth, releasing all its flavor. For an even more intense result, let the lard rest for a few minutes at room temperature before serving.

How to enjoy it best

The most traditional way to eat Lardo di Colonnata is on a slice of warm bread , freshly toasted or lightly toasted. The heat of the bread helps the lard melt, enhancing its creaminess and intensifying its flavor.

For an even more refined contrast of flavors, you can add a slice of tomato without seasoning, which with its acidity balances the sweetness of the lard, making the tasting experience even more balanced.

Colonnata Lard is also an excellent ingredient for crostini and bruschetta . Spread it on warm bread with honey, herbs, or anchovies for a surprising result. It's also often used to enrich focaccia and savory pies, adding a touch of softness and flavor.

Perfect pairings

Lardo di Colonnata lends itself to numerous gastronomic combinations, enhancing simple and refined dishes:

- With aged cheeses : the contrast between the sweetness of the lard and the saltiness of the cheeses creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- With honey and dried fruit : the combination of the enveloping flavor of lard and the sweetness of honey or dried fruit is perfect for gourmet aperitifs.
- On grilled meats : placing a slice of bacon on a hot steak allows it to melt, flavoring the meat and making it tender.
- With hot polenta : a traditional peasant dish, where polenta is enriched with the flavor of melted lard.
- Wrapped on grilled vegetables or fish : Lard can be used to wrap asparagus, artichokes or fish fillets before cooking, giving them an extraordinary flavour.

The 700 gram Colonnata Lard is also ideal for making sauces , adding creaminess to first courses and giving a unique aromatic note to pappardelle and risottos.

How to store Colonnata Lard

To keep Colonnata Lardo fresh and tasty, it's important to store it properly . Follow these simple rules:

- Fold the remaining rind over the body of the bacon to protect it from the air.
- Wrap it in a slightly damp cloth , which helps maintain the right level of humidity.
- Store it in a cool cellar (if available) or in the vegetable section of the refrigerator, where the temperature is more constant.

By following these precautions, the lard will retain its organoleptic properties for a long time , without losing its characteristic aroma. Avoid wrapping it in plastic film or airtight containers, as this could alter its flavor.

Other tips to enjoy it at its best

If you want to try alternative ways to enjoy Lardo di Colonnata, you can try:

- Use it as a secret ingredient in pasta dishes , adding it at the end of cooking to help it melt and bind the sauce better.
- Add it to soups and broths to enhance the flavors without the need for additional seasonings.
- Use it as a base for a marinade , melting it and brushing it on white meats or fish before cooking.

Conclusion

Lardo di Colonnata is a quintessential Italian delicacy that deserves to be savored properly . Whether served with warm bread, paired with refined ingredients, or used as a base for elaborate dishes, it offers a unique sensory experience.

By storing it properly and choosing the most suitable pairings, you can bring out its full potential and enjoy its flavor to the fullest . Discover the benefits of Lardo di Colonnata and let yourself be won over by its extraordinary quality.