Chinese New Year: Citterio blends Italian and Asian flavors to celebrate the Eastern holiday
On the occasion of Chinese New Year, which this year falls on February 10, Citterio, the historic cured-meat company founded in 1878, has created a mix of Italian and Asian flavors to celebrate the most important Eastern holiday, known for its lavish banquets and joyful gatherings, celebrated not only in China but also in many Far Eastern countries.
The taste for Oriental flavors is increasingly appreciated in Italy, as confirmed by consumption trends. In recent times, purchases of Chinese ethnic specialties have risen by 90% (NielsenIQ), and it is estimated that between 2022 and 2027 the global ethnic food market will grow at an average annual rate of 12% (Nielsen). At the top of consumer preferences are Chinese and Japanese dishes, which are not only enjoyed at restaurants or ordered as takeout, but are increasingly being prepared at home.
Citterio confirms its constant openness to evolving consumer tastes by offering new, appetizing combinations that bring together Eastern and Western flavors while making traditional Asian recipes easy to prepare. Here are two imaginative ideas that blend typical ingredients from both Italian and Asian culinary traditions into a perfect harmony of aromas and flavors.
The first recipe proposed by Citterio is multicolored Dim Sum filled with traditional Italian cured meats—steamed dumplings typical of Chinese New Year whose shape resembles that of an ancient coin, considered a symbol of good fortune. They are usually served in bamboo baskets and accompanied by Chinese tea. The term Dim Sum literally means “to touch the heart,” as these dishes are made to be shared with loved ones.
Citterio’s version features Dim Sum with three different doughs and three different fillings: white ones, green ones, and yellow ones, the latter two made with dough enriched with spinach and saffron respectively. The filling includes various Mediterranean ingredients combined with Diced Cooked Ham, Diced Smoked Pancetta, or Citterio Sofficette Mortadella, three products that add crunch and flavor to the dumplings.
The second idea is a vegetable roll filled with Citterio Diced Cooked Ham: a refined combination of intensely flavored vegetables such as white and red cabbage and carrots, paired with the delicate taste of the diced cooked ham, reinventing a typical dish of Chinese tradition.
The recipes feature Citterio Diced Cooked Ham, made only from selected hams, with no thickeners and just 2.8% fat; and Citterio Diced Smoked Pancetta, made from lightly smoked pancetta with a rich yet refined flavor. Both are ideal for a wide range of recipes, ready to use in a convenient twin-pack, adding unique aroma and taste to any dish. Alongside the diced products, another key ingredient of the Dim Sum is Sofficette Mortadella Regina, a high-quality, 100% Italian product in a practical format.
To discover more recipes featuring Citterio cured meats, visit www.citterio.com
THE RECIPES
Multicolored Dim Sum with Traditional Italian Cured Meats
Ingredients for 4 people
For the dough (for each of the 3 types): “00” flour 250 g, Water 150 ml, A pinch of fine salt. For the green dough add spinach; for the yellow dough add saffron.
For the filling: Green Dim Sum: Citterio Diced Cooked Ham and mixed vegetables: leek, cabbage, carrots, zucchini, bean sprouts, onion, soy sauce, salt, extra virgin olive oil. Yellow Dim Sum: Citterio Sofficette Mortadella, pork, onion, extra virgin olive oil, salt, truffle oil. White Dim Sum: Citterio Diced Smoked Pancetta, pork, chives, onion, extra virgin olive oil, salt.
Preparation:
The base dough is the same for all three types of dumplings. To obtain the green or yellow dough, add a small amount of spinach blended with a bit of water, or a packet of saffron, respectively. Place the flour in a bowl, forming a well, and add a pinch of salt; gradually incorporate the water. Transfer the dough to a floured work surface and knead by hand until smooth and firm. Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and let it rest for one hour in a cool, dry place. Green Dim Sum filling: Cut the vegetables into thin strips. Stir-fry them in a pan with extra virgin olive oil and salt. Toward the end of cooking, add the diced cooked ham. Once well browned, add a glass of soy sauce and let it evaporate. Yellow Dim Sum filling: Brown the pork and the mortadella cut into strips in a pan with onion and extra virgin olive oil. Once the pork and mortadella are golden, add a pinch of salt and a few drops of truffle oil. White Dim Sum filling: Brown the pork and the diced smoked pancetta with plenty of onion and oil until well cooked. At the end, add a pinch of salt and finely chopped chives. Divide the dough into three parts to obtain the three colors. Roll out each dough into discs 3–5 mm thick and about 8 cm in diameter. Fill them with the three previously prepared fillings and fold them as desired to create different shapes. Steam for about 20 minutes or boil in salted water for 10–15 minutes.
Prep time: 60 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Roll-Style Wrap with Diced Cooked Ham and Vegetables
Ingredients for 4 people:
For the flatbread: 500 g soft wheat flour, 250 g water, 1 tablespoon lard at room temperature, 10 g instant yeast.
For the filling: Citterio Diced Cooked Ham, red cabbage, carrots, white cabbage. Serve with soy sauce.
Preparation:
To make the flatbread, place the flour, water, yeast, salt, and lard in the bowl of a stand mixer and mix with the dough hook until the ingredients are combined. Transfer to a work surface and briefly knead by hand until the dough is smooth but not overly soft. Shape into a ball, wrap in plastic wrap, and let rest for 1 hour at room temperature. Then roll out the dough to a thickness of 2–3 mm in a rectangular shape. Bake the flatbread in a fan-assisted oven for 7–8 minutes. Cut into rectangles roughly 20×20 cm. Meanwhile, cut all the vegetables into julienne strips. Arrange the vegetables on the flatbread and place the diced cooked ham in the center. Roll up tightly and slice into pieces about 2 cm thick. Serve cold with soy sauce.
Prep time: 40 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
For information:
Encanto Public Relations 02 66983707
Isaac Cozzi isaac.cozzi@encantopr.it– cell. 3938803139
05/02/2024