Another question...for chefs!

[BetsyC]

What in the world is pancetta? I've seen it used on the Food Network and I thought that it was similar to bacon. I've looked the stores over and can't find it though and noone in the store new what I was talking about either. Please help!

 

[roo]

pancetta

I know what I think pancetta is, but here's an official definition...

Pancetta is an Italian bacon that is cured with salt, pepper, and other spices, but is not smoked. Unlike English and American bacon, which are taken from the sides and belly of the pig, may be smoked, and are usually cut into slices, pancetta comes only from the belly, is salt-cured but not smoked, and is generally sold rolled up into sausage shapes.

It is available in any good Italian market.

 

[ogteacher]

What groceries stores are available to you? I have found pancetta in Kroger's and Trader Joe's. If you can't find it, you can use prosciutto (sp?) as a substitute.

 

[superteach113]

Pancetta

In Giada De Launrentiis' (Everyday Italian show on FoodTV) cookbook she said to substitute pancetta with regular bacon.

 

[BetsyC]

Thanks everyone! I actually did find and purchase prociutto for another recipe so I will use that. I looked for pancetta in our Kroger and Snucks grocery stores. Maybe I was looking in the wrong place...I looked in the meat department, and the meat cutters (I'm sure they have a specific title but it's not coming to me right now!) didn't have any idea when I asked them about it. I live about five miles south of Memphis (I'm actually in MS) and surely I can find an Italian market there.

Today I cooked Citrus Chicken and Penne with Spinach Sauce that I saw prepared on Giada's show. It was so delicious!

Have a great week!