Guanciale is the cheek of the pig which has been cured, fermented and air-dried in a similar way to pancetta. Guanciale has more fat than pancetta, but as a result has a huge depth of flavour. The fat is transformed by the curing and fermenting process and becomes silky and unctuous. A cooking ingredient it is used in Italy to make the classic dishes; pasta all'amatriciana and spaghetti alla carbonara and can be used as an alternative to pancetta in any recipe.
