If you’re like most pepperoni-loving Americans, the only kind of pepperoni you know is the kind that comes pre-packaged in the grocery store. However, if you’re ever lucky enough to travel to Italy, you’ll discover a whole new world of pepperoni waiting for you. Traditional Italian pepperoni is called “Old World Pepperoni”. Are you curious about what Old World pepperoni is? If so, you’re in luck. In this blog post, we’ll explain everything you need to know about this delicious type of pepperoni. Keep reading to learn more!
What is pepperoni?
Pepperoni is a cured and fermented sausage that is typically made from pork, beef, or a combination of the two. It is then seasoned with various spices, such as black pepper, fennel, or paprika. Pepperoni is typically used as a pizza topping, but it can also be eaten on its own or used in sandwiches. There are many different types of pepperoni available, including Old World pepperoni.
History of pepperoni:
Pepperoni is thought to have originated in Italy, and it has been made there for centuries. In the United States, pepperoni was first introduced in the early 1900s. It quickly became a popular pizza topping, and it is now one of the most commonly used toppings in the country.
Who invented pepperoni?
The exact origin of pepperoni is unknown, but it is thought to have originated in Italy. It has been made there for centuries, and it was introduced to the United States in the early 1900s.
What is old world pepperoni?
Old world pepperoni is a type of salami that is made from pork and beef. It is usually smoked and has a spicy flavor. It often comes with seasonings like chili and paprika. Once cooked, old-world pepperoni looks different from regular pepperoni as it curls up, causing the edges to turn crispy.
What’s The Difference Between regular, American-style Pepperoni & Old World Pepperoni?
The most obvious difference between them is what happens when they’re cooked. Slices of Old World pepperoni will curl up at the edges in the oven. The result is a small bowl shape, where the rim cooks more quickly and often chars. This gives a crunchier flavor, with notes of bacon.
American-style pepperoni, on the other hand, stays flat against the surface of your pizza.
The colors are different too. American-style pepperoni has an orange hue. The Old World, in contrast, is redder, varying in shade from bright to dark.
How Is Old World Pepperoni Made?
Old world pepperoni is made by combining pork and beef which are then seasoned with spices like chili and paprika. The mixture is then fermented and cured for several months. Once it has been cured, the pepperoni is then smoked which gives it its characteristic flavor.
The Casing Makes Old World Pepperoni Different:
The sausage casing used for old world pepperoni is traditionally made from the intestines of pigs or cows. This gives the sausage a natural flavor that is different from the artificial flavorings used in American-style pepperoni.
The intestines are cleaned and then stuffed with a mixture of pork, beef, and spices. The sausage is then left to cure for several months. Once it has been cured, the sausage is then smoked over a fire of hickory wood chips. This gives old world pepperoni its characteristic smoky flavor.
What Does Old World Pepperoni Taste Like?
Old world pepperoni has a strong, spicy flavor that is due to the various spices that are used in its seasoning. The smoking process also contributes to the distinct flavor of old world pepperoni. When cooked, old world pepperoni forms crispy edges which give it a unique texture.
What Makes Old World Pepperoni Curl?
When old world pepperoni is cooked, the fat in the meat begins to render and this causes the edges of the pepperoni to curl. The result is a small bowl shape, with crisp edges.
Where Does Salami Fit In?
Salami is a type of cured sausage that is made from pork, beef, or a combination of the two. It is then seasoned with various spices, such as black pepper, fennel, or paprika. Salami is typically used as a pizza topping, but it can also be eaten on its own or used in sandwiches. There are many different types of salami available, including Old World Salami.
Traditional pepperoni pizza recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound of old world pepperoni, sliced thin
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of chili flakes
- 1 pizza dough
- 1 cup of tomato sauce
- 1 mozzarella cheese, shredded
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add pepperoni and cook until crisp, about 5 minutes.
- Add chili flakes and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Roll out your pizza dough on a floured surface. Transfer to a greased pizza pan or baking sheet.
- Spread tomato sauce over the dough, leaving a 1-inch border.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
- Add pepperoni slices, evenly distributed over the pizza.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Enjoy!
Other Uses For Old World Pepperoni:
Old world pepperoni can also be used in sandwiches or as an appetizer. It can be sliced and served with crackers, bread, or vegetables. It can also be diced and added to pasta dishes or salads.
FAQs
What Stores Carry Old World Pepperoni?
Old world pepperoni is available at most grocery stores. You can also purchase it online from various retailers like Amazon, Walmart…
What is cupped pepperoni?
Cupped pepperoni is a type of pepperoni that has been cooked in a way that causes the edges to curl up and form a small bowl shape. This gives the pepperoni a crispy texture and allows for more surface area to be exposed to heat, which results in a more flavorful pepperoni.
Where to Eat True Old-World Pepperoni?
If you want to try true old-world pepperoni, your best bet is to go to a specialty Italian grocery store or order it online from a retailer like Amazon.
How Long Does Old World Pepperoni Last?
Old world pepperoni can last for up to 6 months when stored in the fridge. It can also be frozen for long-term storage.
Best Old World Pepperoni Brands :
Some of the best old world pepperoni brands include:
– Dante
– Ferraro’s
– Funghi Pizza
– Gentile’s
– Grande
– Mama Mary’s
– Old World Foods
– Tony’s
These are all brands that make authentic old world pepperoni. You can find them at most grocery stores or order them online.
Beef pepperoni vs. pork pepperoni:
Beef pepperoni is made with beef, while pork pepperoni is made with pork. Both types of pepperoni are seasoned with spices, but the spice blend will vary depending on the brand. Beef pepperoni is typically spicier than pork pepperoni.
Is Old World Pepperoni Hard or Soft?
Old world pepperoni is typically soft, but it can vary depending on the brand. Some brands make softer pepperoni, while others make harder pepperoni. The hardness of the pepperoni does not affect the flavor.
Is Old World Pepperoni Greasy?
Old world pepperoni is not typically greasy. The fat content will vary depending on the brand, but most brands make pepperoni with low-fat content.
Can You Substitute Old World Pepperoni For Regular Pepperoni?
Yes, you can substitute old world pepperoni for regular pepperoni in most recipes. The flavor will be slightly different, but the overall taste will be similar.
Conclusion
Old world pepperoni is a delicious and unique type of salami that is perfect for anyone who loves spice and smokey flavors. If you’ve never tried it before, we highly recommend giving it a try!
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