People all around the world have different hobbies. These are activities that they enjoy during their free time. The best thing about these hobbies is that it relieves stress. Talking about this, there are tons of things that people enjoy doing but one of the most popular hobbies that you will notice is cooking. This can be a lot of fun as you get to make anything you want to eat. Additionally, once you understand how different ingredients work, you can even start changing recipes.
The only requirement that you need to keep in mind before you start cooking is that you have all the right ingredients with you. Some utensils might allow you to cook faster, but these are not necessary. With that being said, one common problem that lots of people run into is that they cannot find specific ingredients. Considering this, one option that you can go with is using an alternative. Talking about this, we will be using this article to provide you with a list of ingredients that can be used as a substitute for Guanciale.
Substitute For Guanciale
- Pancetta
Meat is the foundation for most dishes as it offers a strong taste. There are numerous types of cuts that you can use and each of them has unique cooking methods that can be used. Talking about this, Guanciale is a type of cured meat that is made using pork jowls. The ingredients used when preparing it includes sugar, spices, and salt.
The main reason why it is so difficult to find this type of meat is that it originates from Italian cuisine. Considering this, if you are having trouble trying to purchase it then you can use an alternative instead. Pancetta is another type of cut that is cured using an Italian method. While this is derived from a pork belly, the preparation required for it is similar to Guanciale.
This makes both of these cuts similar in taste. Keep in mind that trying to cure this type of meat at your home might be difficult as it requires up to 4 months. Although, one easier option that you can go for is purchasing it from stores. Many shops provide pancetta in packages that you can easily buy. The meat is already cut down into small cubes which makes it even easier to use for your dishes.
- Bacon
Using alternatives for an ingredient that you are having trouble getting is a good option. However, you have to remember that while these substitutes have similar taste, it is not the same. Additionally, the texture for them might also vary which is why you should try your best to get the original ingredient.
With that being said, using bacon instead of Guanciale is another option that you can go with. There are numerous types of bacon that you can purchase from stores which makes it confusing when trying to get them. Keep in mind that unsmoked bacon is the best option. However, if you only have smoked bacon then you can clean it under boiling water later.
Removing the smoky flavor before curing the meat is essential if you want to use it as a substitute for guanciale. One of the best things about bacon is how many use cases it has. Considering this, you can easily keep them stored in your refrigerator as they will come in handy later. Though, you should note that bacon is a little different when compared to guanciale. Instead of having a soft and juicy texture, bacon is crispy and chewy.
- Pork Jowl
Finally, another type of cut that you can go for is pork jowl. The best thing about it is that it comes from the same part you get guanciale from. The texture and taste for this are quite similar which makes it a great substitute. Additionally, the cut is quite cheap and widely available so you should not have much trouble getting it.
The only thing to keep in mind is that pork jowl has a little more fat content in it. Considering this, using it as an alternative might be a great option for some dishes while others might not require it. The only downside to this option is that if the guanciale is out of stock then there is a high chance of the store being out of pork jowl as well.