Indulge in the rich flavors of Croatia with our premium-grade Pancetta. Crafted using traditional methods passed down through generations, our Pancetta captures the essence of Croatian culinary tradition. Carefully selected pork belly is seasoned with a blend of aromatic herbs and spices, then meticulously cured and aged to perfection. Each slice offers a symphony of savory notes, with a delicate balance of saltiness and smokiness that tantalizes the taste buds. Versatile and flavorful, our Croatian Pancetta is an essential ingredient for elevating your favorite dishes, from pasta sauces to charcuterie boards. Experience the taste of Croatia with every bite of our artisanal Pancetta.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 pounds (about 1-1.5 kg) pork belly, skin-on
• 1/4 cup coarse sea salt
• 2 tablespoons black peppercorns, coarsely ground
• 1 tablespoon juniper berries, crushed
• 4-6 cloves garlic, minced
• 4-6 bay leaves, crushed
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary leaves, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 cup red wine (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Pork Belly:

1- Rinse the pork belly under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.

2- Place the pork belly on a clean work surface, skin-side down.

Seasoning Mixture:In a bowl, combine the coarse sea salt, black peppercorns, crushed juniper berries, minced garlic, crushed bay leaves, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, and ground nutmeg. Mix well.

Season the Pork Belly:

1- Rub the seasoning mixture evenly over all sides of the pork belly, ensuring it is well coated.

2- Place the seasoned pork belly in a large resealable plastic bag or a non-reactive container.

Curing Process:

1- Seal the bag or cover the container and refrigerate the pork belly for 7-10 days, turning it every other day to distribute the seasonings evenly.

2- During the curing process, the salt will draw out moisture from the pork belly, preserving it and infusing it with flavor.

After Curing:

1- After the curing period, remove the pork belly from the refrigerator and rinse off any excess salt under cold water.

2- Pat the pork belly dry with paper towels and allow it to air dry for a few hours, or overnight, in the refrigerator, uncovered. This will help to develop a pellicle, a thin, tacky layer on the surface of the meat, which aids in the formation of the desired flavor and texture.

Optional Step - Wine Bath:If desired, you can soak the pork belly in red wine for additional flavor. Place the pork belly in a shallow dish and cover it with red wine. Refrigerate for 12-24 hours.

Aging:After air-drying and optional wine bath, the pancetta can be hung to age in a cool, well-ventilated area for 2-4 weeks. Hang the pancetta using butcher's twine, making sure there is enough space between each piece for air circulation.

Slicing and Serving:

1- Once aged, slice the pancetta thinly, removing the skin if desired, and use it as a flavorful addition to various dishes such as pasta sauces, soups, stews, or as a topping for pizzas and salads.

Enjoy the authentic flavor of Croatian pancetta in your favorite recipes!

Nutritional Values:

Here's an approximation of the nutritional values for the ingredients used in the Croatian Pancetta recipe:

Pork Belly (per 100g):

• Calories: 518 kcal
• Protein: 17.4g
• Fat: 47.2g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Fiber: 0g

benefits:

• Rich in protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Contains healthy fats that provide energy and support cell function.
• Good source of B vitamins, particularly B12, which is important for nerve function and DNA synthesis.

Coarse Sea Salt (per 1/4 cup, about 72g):

• Calories: 0 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Sodium: 28,584mg (check specific brand for accurate sodium content)

benefits:

• Provides essential minerals like sodium and chloride, necessary for maintaining fluid balance and nerve function.
• Helps enhance flavor and preserve the meat during the curing process.

Black Peppercorns (per 2 tablespoons, about 12g):

• Calories: 42 kcal
• Protein: 1.4g
• Fat: 0.8g
• Carbohydrates: 8.7g
• Fiber: 3.3g

benefits:

• Contains piperine, a compound that may improve digestion and increase nutrient absorption.
• Possesses antioxidant properties that help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.

Juniper Berries (per 1 tablespoon, about 6g):

• Calories: 11 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 2.4g
• Fiber: 0.6g

benefits:

• Rich in antioxidants, which may help reduce inflammation and promote heart health.
• Contains antimicrobial properties that can aid in fighting off harmful bacteria.

Garlic (per clove, about 3g):

• Calories: 4 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0.1g

benefits:

• Contains allicin, a compound with antibacterial and antiviral properties.
• May help lower cholesterol levels and blood pressure, promoting heart health.
• Provides antioxidants that support immune function and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.

Bay Leaves (per leaf, about 1g):

• Calories: 1 kcal
• Protein: 0g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.3g
• Fiber: 0.2g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins A, C, and B-complex, as well as minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium.
• Possess antimicrobial properties that can help combat infections and support digestive health.

Rosemary (per 2 tablespoons, chopped, about 2g):

• Calories: 2 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Fiber: 0.3g

benefits:

• Contains rosmarinic acid, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• May improve digestion and promote gut health.
• Known for its ability to enhance memory and concentration.

Thyme (per 2 tablespoons, chopped, about 2g):

• Calories: 3 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.1g
• Carbohydrates: 0.6g
• Fiber: 0.3g

benefits:

• Rich in vitamins C and K, as well as manganese and antioxidants.
• Has antimicrobial properties that can help fight infections and support respiratory health.
• May aid in digestion and relieve coughs and sore throats.

Ground Nutmeg (per 1 teaspoon, about 2g):

• Calories: 11 kcal
• Protein: 0.2g
• Fat: 0.8g
• Carbohydrates: 0.9g
• Fiber: 0.4g

benefits:

• Contains compounds like myristicin and eugenol, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• May help improve digestion and alleviate symptoms of indigestion.
• Used traditionally to promote sleep and relieve pain.

Red Wine (per 1/4 cup, about 60ml, optional):

• Calories: 62 kcal
• Protein: 0.1g
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1.9g
• Fiber: 0g

These values are approximate and may vary depending on factors such as brand, ripeness, and specific preparation methods. Always refer to the nutritional information provided on the packaging for the most accurate values.