Cut & Cure
What is Sopressata?
Pronounced /soh-preh-SAH-tah/
Definition
Sopressata is a coarse-ground, dry-cured Italian salami, made sweet or hot depending on the amount of chile in the mix.
Southern versions are pressed flat during curing, which is where the name comes from. Calabrian sopressata leans heavily on hot pepper.
It belongs on an antipasto board, in a sandwich, or diced into a frittata — not in a long simmer, where the cure turns harsh.
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What is the difference between sweet and hot Italian sausage?
Sweet Italian sausage is seasoned with fennel and sometimes a little sugar or basil. Hot Italian sausage uses the same base plus crushed red pepper and cayenne. Neither is sugary — 'sweet' just means 'not spicy.' For sausage and peppers, use half of each.