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5.0 from 12 votes

Ventreche, French Bacon

When you make your own ventreche, find the best quality pork belly you can find. Because this is so lightly cured, you will really, really notice the difference between crappy factory-raised pork and a good heritage pork belly. Wild boar is of course an excellent option if you can get one fatty enough.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
4 hrs
Total Time
4 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 10
Calories: 485 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: French

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds pork belly, in one piece
  • 20 grams kosher salt, about 2 rounded tablespoons
  • 1/4 cup freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Trim the pork belly into a neat rectangle. Salt it on both sides, massaging the salt into the meat. Put the salted belly into a plastic bag and seal it. Store in the fridge for 3 to 5 days. Flip the belly twice a day.
  2. Remove the cured belly and rinse quickly under cold water. Pat dry and place on a wire rack in a breezy place for an hour. Coat liberally with the black pepper and roll tightly. Tie off tightly, and then net with sausage netting.
  3. Hang in your smoker and smoke for 4 to 6 hours at 225°F -- you want the interior of the bacon to be at least 140°F, and 150°F is better. What wood you choose is up to you; I use oak or pecan. Use or freeze within 10 days.

Notes

  • Note that prep time does not include curing time. 

Nutrition Information

Calories 485kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 4g (1%) Protein 9g (18%) Fat 48g (74%) Saturated Fat 18g (90%) Cholesterol 65mg (22%) Sodium 805mg (34%) Potassium 246mg (7%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 1g (2%) Vitamin A 41IU (1%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 31mg (3%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 10Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 485

% Daily Value*

Calories 485kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 4g 1%
Protein 9g 18%
Fat 48g 74%
Saturated Fat 18g 90%
Cholesterol 65mg 22%
Sodium 805mg 34%
Potassium 246mg 5%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 1g 2%
Vitamin A 41IU 1%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 31mg 3%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.