Salumi Platter

A platter of cured meats is an excellent choice as an appetizer to stimulate the appetite and delight the palate before an Italian dinner or to accompany an aperitivo. You can customize your platter based on your tastes and the availability of cured meats in your area. Here’s a proposal for a well-assorted platter:

Ingredients

• Prosciutto crudo, 100g
• Coppa, 100g
• Salame (types of your choice such as Milano, Felino, or the spicy one from Calabria), 100g
• Bresaola, 80g
• Mortadella, 100g
• Speck Alto Adige, 100g
• Pancetta arrotolata or stesa, 100g
• Olives (green or black in brine), a handful
• Grissini or fresh bread, as needed
• Mustards, fruit compotes or simply honey to accompany, as needed
• Cheeses (optional choice to enrich the platter), as needed

Preparation

1. Let’s start by removing all the slices of cured meats from their packaging and letting them rest for a few minutes at room temperature, so that they can best express their flavors.
2. On a large wooden board, start arranging the cured meats. You can roll them, fold them in half, or create small “rosettes” with the slices for a more decorative effect.
3. Alternate the different types of cured meats to create visual variety and flavors.
4. Add the olives in a small container or scattered on the board.
5. Accompany the cured meats with grissini or slices of fresh bread.
6. If desired, also add some cheeses, which can be served sliced or in small pieces.
7. Complete the board with a selection of mustards, honey, or jams to enrich the flavor of the cured meats with sweet and spicy notes.

Curiosities

The salumi platter is often accompanied by wine or sparkling wines, which help cleanse the palate. The cured meats can vary according to Italian regional traditions, so don’t hesitate to explore and add local specialties to your platter. In Italy, it is common to find boards that reflect the typical products of the region where one is.