Tasso
A lean chunk of pork (often shoulder) or beef that is heavily seasoned with Cajun spices then smoked for 2 days, resulting in a firm, smoky meat used for seasoning. Tasso is often used in Cajun dishes, such as jambalaya, soups, pastas and seafood.
Ethnicity
Cajun
Season
available year-round
How to select
Tasso is readily available in Louisiana and may be ordered online if you cannot find it in your local grocery store. You can also make your own Tasso by using a pork butt and spices such as: cayenne pepper, salt, white pepper, paprika, salt, cinnamon and garlic. To make your own you would need a smoker.
How to store
Tightly wrapped in the refrigerator for a week.
How to prepare
Often finely chopped and used as a seasoning like ham, prosciutto, pancetta or salt pork to flavor beans, eggs and pasta.
Substitutions
Canadian bacon or smoked ham