Bacon seasoned with Juniper Berries
Ready to Whip Up Some Scrumptious Homemade Pancetta? 🥓🥓
Pancetta, the Italian star of bacon, is a cured pork belly infused with an array of herbs, spices, and garlic, sans smoking. This delectable delight is usually rolled and tied, then hung to dry. We've got a recipe that'll turn you into a pancetta pro, perfect for our mouthwatering Pasta Carbonara with Peas! 🍝😋
What You Need: 🛍️- Pork belly: Swap it with fresh bacon if you fancy. You can score it from a reliable butcher or purchase online from Niman Ranch.- Curing salt: Also known as pink salt or saltpeter, available at Butcher & Packer.- Kosher salt: Preferably Diamond Crystal for accuracy.- Special equipment: Don't forget a boning knife and butcher's twine. Ziploc's jumbo 2-gallon bags are handy for the curing process.
The Lowdown:- Yield: 1 pancetta (around 4 1/2 pounds)- Difficulty: Medium- Time: 35 minutes, plus 3 weeks for curing and hanging- Active: 35 minutes
The Cure: 🥽
- 2 tablespoons whole black peppercorns, plus 1 tablespoon for post-curing
- 2 tablespoons whole juniper berries
- 1/3 cup kosher salt
- 3 tablespoons packed dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons curing salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 medium garlic cloves, minced
- 3 fresh or 5 dry bay leaves, torn into small pieces
- 2 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary leaves
The Pancetta: 🍖
- 1 (5-1/2-pound) piece of fresh, skin-on pork belly (1/2 of a whole belly slab)
Follow our step-by-step guide plus a dash of enriching insights for a downright delectable homemade pancetta experience! 📖🤩
[1]: If you're struggling to find pork belly, think about using thick cut bacon, pork jowl, or cheek for similar results! Visit your local butcher for custom cuts or alternative options.[3]: Should you find yourself pork beltless, try your hand at guanciale, using a traditional cut like the jowl or cheek.[5]: Pink curing salt is mandatory if you're after the signature cured look and flavor. If you can't find it locally, check out online specialty stores or butcher shops.
- The recipe for homemade pancetta includes an array of ingredients such as pork belly, whole black peppercorns, juniper berries, kosher salt, dark brown sugar, curing salt, nutmeg, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, rosemary, and fresh bacon as an alternative option.
- During the curing process, the pancetta will be infused with the flavors of the cure ingredients, which include black peppercorns, juniper berries, kosher salt, dark brown sugar, curing salt, nutmeg, garlic, bay leaves, thyme, and rosemary.
- Before hanging the cured pancetta, additional black peppercorns will be added for an extra layer of flavor during the drying period.
- If you're unable to find pork belly, consider using alternatives such as thick cut bacon, pork jowl, or cheek for an equally delicious homemade pancetta experience, or try making guanciale using a traditional cut like the jowl or cheek.
