Italian Meat: Capicola Pairings & Uses

You can experience the taste of Italy at your home or event with a simple, special cuisine –which includes crafted appetizers of meats and cheeses with a side of fruit. For example, Charcuterie boards are very popular now, and an edible, visual presentation that is fun to put together! People are exploring different types of finger foods they can integrate on the boards. Capicola is a tasty addition and many food fanatics like to delve into the world of Italian meats.

In Italy, Capicola (made from pork) is also known as Capocollo. It’s a combination of Capo and Collo, meaning head and neck. For most, it is often referred to as Capicola –cured meat, or what we call ‘cold cut.’ Methods and curing ingredients differ by local customs and are based on their curing traditions. The meat is dry-cured and typically sliced very thin.

What makes Capicola so distinctive when it comes to cooking and pairing? It stands above any cured meats like Salami or Prosciutto, but it doesn’t mean those meats are terrible. You might confuse Capicola with Prosciutto; however, they each have their own taste even though they look very similar in appearance.  You can pair Capicola with fine, aged red or white wine, cheese, and other charcuterie food items such as grapes and olives. To create the perfect meal (not just Italian sandwiches for lunch) or charcuterie board, it is significant to know the cured meat taste.

Do you want to wine and dine with your partner or friends? Capicola is a popular pairing preference –well, its savory taste is a primary reason. During the curing method, the marbled fat helps to stabilize the subtle salty flavors. The mild smokiness of Capicola pairs well with sharp, aged cheddar. This particular cheese has a solid texture and distinct bite that makes it a great complement to Capicola. If you're looking for a wine to pair with the meat and cheese, consider trying a dry and mineral-rich Spanish sparkling wine, but light-bodied red wine typically appeals to wine and cheese.

You don’t have to be an expert at whipping up fancy meals using Capicola in the recipe. If you are throwing a dinner party and need a cuisine suggestion to cook with Capicola, make cheesy spaghetti. It’s a quick and delicious meal. Plus, the dish uses very few ingredients –whole tomatoes, onions, minced garlic, olive oil and tomato sauce, and parmesan cheese. You can also construct a healthy, crisp Italian-inspired salad for those guests who would prefer a much lighter meal. Ingredients include romaine chopped lettuce, tomato, cucumber, Prosciutto and Capicola (torn or cut in small pieces), black olives, chopped roasted red peppers, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese and balsamic vinaigrette to pour on top.

If snacking is not what you do on a regular basis, you can make yourself a sandwich that will please your stomach. A muffaletta sandwich mixes the flavor of Italy and New Orleans into one hardy sandwich – French roll, mixed vegetable bruschetta, sliced Salami, Capicola and provolone cheese. Are you hungry yet? Create what your heart desires with authentic Italian meat!



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