Pork bellies are seasoned, cured, rolled and tied by hand, then hung to dry for months. Pancetta is used as a flavoring base for a huge range of sauces and risotto and is delicious rolled inside brasciole and other meats. Pancetta is similar to bacon in that it must be cooked first but, because it's cured rather than smoked, it has a clean, salty, savory flavor perfect for flavoring other foods.