* in 1 1/2-inch chunks, trimmed of any membrane or fat.

Heat butter in a non stick skillet and saute almonds in it until lightly browned. Transfer to bowl of food processor, add saffron, and process until finely ground. Set aside.

In the same skillet, saute pancetta until lightly cooked and transfer to a heavy saucepan. Brown meat, in 2 batches, and add to pancetta. Saute onion until golden, adding a little more butter if necessary. To meat and stir in garlic, tomatoes, almond-saffron mixture, thyme, and bay leaf. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add just enough water to barely cover. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and partly cover pan. Simmer for 1 hour, or until meat is almost done. Add potatoes, pushing them under meat, and cook for 15 minutes more, until tender (There should not be a great deal of sauce but add a little water if too dry.) Taste seasoning.

Per Serving: 545 color;es, 34 g protein, 53 carbohydrate, 24 g fat (7 g saturated), 82 mg cholesterol, 238 mg sodium, 5 g fiber.

San Francisco Chronicle, 6/29/92.