The Salem Prime Cuts Italian Combo is likely a reference to a deli or charcuterie board that features a combination of Italian-style meats, cheeses, and other accompaniments. Here’s a general idea of how you can assemble your own Italian combo platter, perfect for serving as a main course, appetizer, or snack.
Italian Combo Platter Recipe
Ingredients:
- Italian Meats:
- 4 oz Genoa salami
- 4 oz Soppressata (a spicy Italian dry salami)
- 4 oz Prosciutto (thinly sliced)
- 4 oz Capicola (a flavorful, spicy cured pork)
- 4 oz Mortadella (Italian sausage with pistachios)
- Cheeses:
- 4 oz Provolone cheese, sliced
- 4 oz Mozzarella (fresh, if possible)
- 4 oz Pecorino Romano or Parmesan, cut into small chunks
- Accompaniments:
- Sliced Italian bread or baguette
- Olives (green or Kalamata)
- Roasted red peppers
- Marinated artichoke hearts
- Cherry tomatoes or grape tomatoes
- Fresh basil leaves
- Balsamic glaze or olive oil (for dipping)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Meats:
- Arrange the slices of Genoa salami, soppressata, prosciutto, capicola, and mortadella in a circular pattern on a large platter. Overlap them slightly for a nice visual effect.
- Add the Cheeses:
- Slice the provolone and mozzarella and place them in the center of the platter or scatter them around the meats. If you’re using pecorino romano or parmesan, break it into chunks and place it near the other cheeses.
- Arrange the Accompaniments:
- Fill the gaps between the meats and cheeses with your accompaniments:
- Add a handful of olives and a few marinated artichoke hearts.
- Place the roasted red peppers and cherry tomatoes in small clusters.
- Add a few fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch.
- Fill the gaps between the meats and cheeses with your accompaniments:
- Serve with Bread:
- Slice the Italian bread or baguette into thin rounds or wedges and arrange it on the side or around the platter.
- Garnish and Drizzle:
- Drizzle a little balsamic glaze or olive oil over the bread or some of the accompaniments for extra flavor.
- You can also sprinkle a bit of black pepper or sea salt on top for an additional burst of flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the platter as-is or with a selection of wines, such as Chianti, Pinot Grigio, or Prosecco, for a delightful Italian-inspired meal or appetizer.
Tips:
- You can adjust the selection of meats and cheeses based on your preferences. Some other great Italian meats to consider are Bresaola (air-dried beef) or Cacciatore (dry-cured sausage).
- For extra flavor, add some whole grain mustard or olive tapenade as dips on the side.
- The platter can be customized with other items such as nuts, figs, or dried fruits for added variety.
This Italian Combo Platter is an easy way to bring the flavors of Italy to your table and is perfect for gatherings, parties, or even a casual family meal! Enjoy!