1
Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil (use a large pot for 4 servings).
Heat a large, dry pan over medium heat. Add bacon*; cook, turning occasionally and adjusting heat if browning too quickly, until crispy, 6-10 minutes.
Turn off heat; transfer to a paper-towel-lined plate.
Carefully discard all but a thin layer of bacon fat from pan (you’ll use this to cook the aromatics later).