Q Is guanciale required for traditional carbonara?
A Yes, authentic Roman carbonara relies on the rich, rendering fat of guanciale rather than ordinary bacon to build the base of the sauce.
Q Are you supposed to cook guanciale until it is crispy?
A No, guanciale should be cooked gently over medium-low heat. The goal is to melt the fat and lightly crisp the edges without making the meat tough.
Q Can I freeze portions of guanciale?
A Yes, this cured pork jowl freezes very well. Cut the piece into smaller, recipe-ready blocks, wrap them tightly, and thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Produced in Castellucchio within the Lombardy region of Northern Italy, Levoni Guanciale is a premium pork jowl that has been steamed, fully cooked, and rubbed with coarse black pepper. Harvested from 100% Italian pork, this rindless cut eliminates tough outer skin and provides an effortless slicing experience for classic Roman cooking like Carbonara, Amatriciana, and Gricia.
Frank and Sal ships this fully cooked, rindless Levoni guanciale nationwide. Order the approximately 2 lb piece online. Shipping is free.
Pair your guanciale with Vallillo Linguine or Granoro Attilio Paccheri No. 136, and finish your pasta with Locatelli Pecorino Romano.