Pancetta Tesa: The Versatile Italian Cured Meat
A Staple of Italian Cuisine
Pancetta Tesa is a classic Italian cured meat made from pork belly, seasoned with salt, pepper, and spices, and air-dried to perfection. Unlike Pancetta Arrotolata, which is rolled, Pancetta Tesa is flat, making it ideal for slicing into thin strips or cubing for cooking. Its rich, savoury flavour enhances everything from pasta to soups.
How Pancetta Tesa is Made
The traditional curing process involves salting and drying the pork belly, allowing it to develop a deep umami taste. Aged naturally, Pancetta Tesa brings an authentic depth of flavour to Italian recipes.
How to Cook with Pancetta Tesa
Pasta Dishes That Shine with Pancetta Tesa
- Classic Carbonara: Replace guanciale with Pancetta Tesa for a rich and creamy Roman-style pasta.
- Amatriciana Sauce: Cook Pancetta Tesa with tomatoes, chilli, and pecorino for a bold pasta sauce.
- Pasta e Fagioli: Add Pancetta Tesa to this traditional Italian bean and pasta soup for extra depth.
Other Delicious Uses for Pancetta Tesa
- In Soups: Sauté it to create a flavourful base for Italian minestrone.
- On Pizzas: Crisp it up and scatter it over pizza with buffalo mozzarella.
- In Risottos: Fry Pancetta Tesa and stir it into risotto for an extra layer of savoury goodness.
Bringing Authentic Flavours to Your Kitchen
Pancetta Tesa is a must-have ingredient for home chefs who want to recreate authentic Italian flavours. Whether you use it in pasta, soups, or appetisers, its deep, savoury richness transforms simple recipes into extraordinary meals.
