Aïda Mollenkamp prefers it to prosciutto, and PartySugar loves it wrapped around her peaches. But what exactly is pancetta?
Referred to as "Italian bacon," pancetta is an Italian charcuterie selection made from salt-cured, aged pork belly. It is not smoked like American bacon, so it has a mellower flavor and higher amount of moisture.
Unlike prosciutto — cured, Italian ham that is made from the hind leg of the pig and is often served thinly sliced and uncooked — pancetta is made from pig's belly, so it is higher in fat content. It is often cooked so its fat can be rendered to add depth to sauces, pastas, roasts, and sautés.
There are many gourmet varieties of pancetta (you can even make it yourself) but don't look for any Italian versions. They are banned from being imported into the United States. Which do you prefer? Pancetta or prosciutto?
Club des Crﾎateurs de Beautﾎ
Debut
Ludd
my family keeps kosher so i've never actually had either, and as a result, didn't really know the difference between the two. i think that this is really good information and i love knowing new things. it's probably going to be helpful for me at some point since my fiance's family does eat pork, and now i can look more knowledgeable.
1I love both kinds
2I love both, too. Though I always get compliments when I make finger foods in Pancetta cups.
3I love both for different things, If I really have to choose though I would choose prosciutto with some smoked greyer cheese.
4why is pancetta banned from being imported to the US?
5I'm sure I'd love it if I tried it. I absolutely adore prosciutto.
6lol- I was looking up the difference about two weeks ago (I mistakenly picked up pancetta instead of prosciutto). Not quite interchangeable but I like both. I used my pancetta in a spaghetti carbonara- yummy!
7Post New Comment
Please share your opinion with our community, but make sure it is on topic and follows our Community Rules. We moderate comments and prohibit personal attacks, threats, spam, lewd images, or the promotion of your personal website.