Yes, Pampanella is not a Sicilian Dish, but we Love it, and it deserves to be on this page. It's from Molise, a region of Italy that most Americans have never heard of.
Italians all over Italy even joking around, saying that Molise doesn't exist, though they know it does, the region is so obscure that even Italian make fun of it. Sorry about that, to the people of Molise.
The dish Campanella is quite obscure as well, and most Italians have never heard of the dish, though it definitely deserves its do. The dish is mad of Pork Meat (any cut) that is seasoned with salt & pepper and a very generous amount of Paprika.
Campanella gets its name from Pompano, vine grape leaves that the meat was wrapped in while cooking. Today, you can wrap it in either parchment paper or aluminium foil, or not wrapped at all.
Also, when it comes to the meat, and which cut of Pork that is used to make the dish, it usually depends on the cook, and what they have on hand, or what they personally like to make the dish with. One thing though, the cut of pork would be a fattier cut of pork like : pork shoulder, Pork Ribs, or Pork Belly. Don't use tenderloin, or pork loin.
When you're traveling in the Molise region of Italy, you'll invariably happen upon one of Italy's 'hidden' wonders. Pampanella is a spectacular pork dish that is jam-packed with colour and flavour. Paprika brings all its magic to the pork - delivering a rich red hue to the slow-roasted meat.
This vibrant red roasted pork is a speciality of the Molise region of Italy. Pampanella Molisana is an explosion of colour and flavour – a burst of smoky, earthy and spicy notes that envelope every inch of the tender, juicy pork – it’s a truly under appreciated Italian gem!
Paprika isn't a commonly used spice in Italian cuisine, so it's somewhat of a surprise to see it used in such abundance in this recipe. It's that generosity of paprika that makes for something very special indeed. Sweet, smoky and spicy - Pampanella Molisana is the perfect harmony of flavour and colour.
What is Pampanella?
Pampanella is a traditional pork dish found in the Molise region of Italy. It is relatively unknown dish elsewhere but much loved in the region. There are countless restaurants and street vendors who offer up the bright red pork in various combinations. Various prime cuts of meat are used from the ribs, loin, butt, shoulder to the belly. The meat is marinated in a generous paprika mixture, made from local varieties of chilli) then slowly roasted.
Like porchetta, pampanella is often served as a sandwich alongside pickles and greens and it's how I first discovered it in Italy. From a wonderful butchers in the beautiful commune of San Martino in Pensilis, Molise - I devoured my sandwich in seconds and was super excited to learn how to make it at home.
Pampanella gets its name from the 'Pampini' leaves (vine/grape leaves) which were traditionally used to wrap the meat for roasting. Nowadays, parchment paper or foil wraps the pork, but the name stuck. It's an amazing dish that emphasises just how diverse and exciting regional Italian food can be. If you're not familiar with Pampanella Molisana, now's the time to make friends!
