Guanciale

Guanciale is an Italian cured meat made from pork jowl or cheeks. It is rich and flavorful, often seasoned with spices like black pepper and garlic. Unlike bacon, guanciale has a higher fat content and is typically used in traditional Italian dishes such as pasta sauces, notably in recipes like Pasta alla Gricia and Carbonara. The curing process enhances its taste and gives it a unique, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Guanciale is prized for its depth of flavor and is a staple ingredient in many authentic Italian recipes.