Pancetta
An Italian bacon that is cured with salt and spices, but not smoked so it is moister and has a mellower flavor. Pancetta is flavorful and slightly salty and comes in a sausagelike roll. Commonly used for stews and braises by rendering the fat and using it to cook other ingredients. Also a fine savory addition to stuffings.
Ethnicity
Italian
Season
available year-round
How to store
Refrigerate tightly wrapped up to 3 weeks, frozen up to 6 months.
Substitutions
Bacon. If you substitute bacon, blanch it first in boiling water to subdue the smoky flavor.