This salad is a impressive twist on your old summer standard. OK – so I didn’t grow up Italian and never knew that Pancetta tasted SO GOOD but why hasn’t pancetta been a part of my culinary life before now? This is even better than bacon – is that possible?
Pork belly (love Pork Belly thanks to Chef Bill Kim of Belly Shack and Urban Belly) that has been salt cured and spiced (nutmeg, pepper, fennel, dried ground hot peppers and garlic), and dried for about three months but usually not smoked. Inspires me to want to try and make it very soon.
Bon Appetit!
5 ounces 1/8-inch-thick slices pancetta (Italian bacon; about 5 slices)
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons finely grated lemon peel
1 garlic clove, pressed
2/3 cup olive oil
3 pounds Yukon Gold potatoes
3 large celery stalks, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange pancetta slices on rimmed baking sheet, spacing apart. Bake until golden brown and crisp, about 20 minutes (do not turn). Drain on paper towels. Cool. Coarsely chop pancetta.
Meanwhile, whisk lemon juice, rosemary, lemon peel, and garlic in small bowl. Gradually whisk in oil. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.
Place potatoes in large pot. Add enough cold water to cover by 1 inch. Bring to boil; reduce heat to medium. Simmer with lid ajar until tender, 18 to 25 minutes, depending on size of potatoes. Drain; let stand until cool enough to handle, about 20 minutes.
Cut potatoes into 1/4-inch-thick slices (remove skin, if desired). Place in large bowl; add celery. Drizzle dressing over; toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper. Cover and chill until cold, at least 2 hours. DO AHEAD: Pancetta and potato salad can be made 1 day ahead. Cover pancetta; chill. Keep potato salad chilled. Bring pancetta to room temperature before continuing.
Sprinkle pancetta and chopped parsley over potato salad.