Apple and Culatello Parcel

The apple and culatello parcel is a dish that combines the sweetness of apples with the savoriness of culatello, creating a tasty and original pairing. It can work both as a starter or as a light main course. Here is how to proceed:

Ingredients

• 4 slices of culatello
• 2 apples (preferably a tart variety like Granny Smith)
• 4 lettuce leaves or salad greens of your choice
• Balsamic Vinegar, as needed
• Extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, as needed
• Pepper, as needed
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• Chopped walnuts or almonds (optional)

Preparation

1. Start by washing and drying the lettuce leaves and set them aside.
2. Wash the apples, remove the core, and cut them into thin slices. You can also peel them if you prefer.
3. In a pan, heat a small amount of extra virgin olive oil and add the apple slices. Let them soften slightly, then add a teaspoon of honey and let them caramelize for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Lay out each slice of culatello on a plate and place a lettuce leaf in the center of each.
5. On top of the lettuce, arrange some of the caramelized apple slices, and if you like, sprinkle with chopped walnuts or almonds for added crunchiness.
6. Close the culatello like a parcel, making a roll that envelops the apples inside.
7. Dress the parcels with a drizzle of olive oil and a few drops of balsamic vinegar.
8. Serve immediately, accompanied if desired by a fresh salad or other dipping sauces such as a balsamic reduction or a light herb sauce.

Fun Fact

Culatello is a typical product of Emilia-Romagna, especially from the area around Parma. It is considered the “king of salami” for its delicate taste and artisanal processing. Paired with apples, it brings a contrast of flavors that is always a pleasant discovery for the palate.