Guanciale
Guanciale
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Guanciale

Vendor
Calabria Pork Store
Regular price
$16.95
Sale price
$16.95
Regular price
Sold out
Unit price
per 
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Weighs approximately 1 Pound

Ah, guanciale! One of Italy's most treasured cured meats. Here's a rundown of what makes guanciale so special:

What it is: Guanciale is cured pork jowl. Think of it as the Italian version of bacon, but with a richer, more intense flavor. It comes from the pig's cheek, which is full of fat and connective tissue, giving it a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

How it's made: Guanciale is typically cured with salt, black pepper, and sometimes other spices like red pepper flakes or herbs like rosemary. The curing process can last anywhere from a few weeks to several months, resulting in a firm, flavorful product.

Flavor and aroma: Guanciale has a deep, savory flavor with a pronounced porkiness. The fat renders beautifully, adding a silky richness to dishes. Expect a more complex and intense taste compared to pancetta or bacon.

How to use it:

  • Pasta: Guanciale is a classic ingredient in pasta dishes like Amatriciana, Carbonara, and Gricia. Its fat renders into the sauce, creating a luscious, flavorful base.
  • Pizza: Thinly sliced guanciale adds a salty, savory kick to pizzas.
  • Eggs: Fry it up and serve it alongside eggs for a decadent breakfast.
  • Vegetables: Sautéed vegetables like broccoli rabe or Brussels sprouts are elevated with the addition of crispy guanciale.
  • Beans: Add it to soups and stews featuring beans for a boost of flavor.