substitution for pancetta

Levine M. (Q&A ID 20721)

Don't eat pork products. What is the best substitution for pancetta for Italian wedding soup, chicken dishes, vegetable dishes?

Lynn C. (Q&A ID 662)

Hi Levine -

There really isn't anything that is going to impart the same flavor as pancetta. You could use duck fat or chicken schmaltz in place of the olive oil in the first step if you wanted to try to impart some of the earthy, meaty and salty flavors that the pancetta would've added. Otherwise you could simply omit it.

Best,

The Milk Street Team