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PhrasesAt the PizzeriaPosso aggiungere la nduja?
B1

Posso aggiungere la nduja?

Can I add 'nduja?

Pronunciation

'nduja — the apostrophe at the start represents a dropped vowel. Pronounced 'n-DU-ya' — three syllables, stress on second.

When to use it

When you want to add an extra topping to a pizza that does not already include it.

What it means

'Aggiungere' = to add. 'La nduja' is a spreadable spicy Calabrian pork salume — excellent on pizza, where the heat of the oven melts it into a spicy oil. It is one of Italy's most celebrated preserved meats.

Variations

Metto anche la provola affumicata?

Shall I add smoked provola as well?

Provola affumicata (smoked stretched-curd cheese) pairs wonderfully with 'nduja

Si può aggiungere un uovo?

Can an egg be added?

A fried egg in the centre is a popular addition in many Italian regions

Potete aggiungere le alici?

Can you add anchovies?

Anchovies can be added to any pizza — a powerful flavour enhancer

Mini Dialogue

— Posso aggiungere la nduja alla margherita? — Ottima idea! È di Spilinga — la migliore. — Mettete anche la provola affumicata? — Ancora meglio — 'nduja e provola è un matrimonio perfetto.

— Can I add 'nduja to the margherita? — Great idea! It's from Spilinga — the best. — Would you also put smoked provola? — Even better — 'nduja and provola is a perfect marriage.

Cultural Note

'Nduja originates from Spilinga, a small town in Calabria. It is a spreadable sausage made from pork scraps and Calabrian chilli ('peperoncino calabrese'). At room temperature it is soft; when heated on pizza it melts into a spicy, aromatic oil that infuses every bite. It has become Italy's most talked-about artisan ingredient of the past decade.