guanciale or jowl bacon

   Italian bacon made from the cheeks (jowls, or guancia, pronounced gwon-CHA-lay) of the pig. The jowl is rubbed with salt, sugar, and spices and cured for three weeks. Its flavor is stronger than other pork products, such as pancetta, and its texture is more delicate. Smoked and then sliced or rolled, guanciale is traditionally used in dishes like pasta all’amatriciana and spaghetti alla carbonara. It is a delicacy of central Italy, particularly Umbria and Lazio. Pancetta can be substituted in recipes. In the U.S. it is sometimes called American jowl bacon.