Arrosticini: Abruzzo’s Regional Favorite Food!




Story and photo by Christopher J. Davies 

If you have not yet visited the Abruzzo region of central Italy, it is worth a stop.

Just about 2 1/2 hours east of Rome is the culmination of Italy’s Apennine Mountains and the Adriatic Sea. There are amazing national parks and preserves plus ski resorts. Pescara is the largest city, located on the Adriatic Sea. They have an International Airport and many stores and amenities.

The region is known for its Montepulciano d'Abruzzo, medium bodied, plummy red wine (no relation to Montepulciano in Tuscany). It is also famous for Arrosticini, skewers of tender cubed lamb, that are barbequed to perfection. You can find Arrosticini as appetizers on many restaurant menus and premade for sale at butchers and grocery stores. While it is mainly made with lamb or mutton, some restaurants and butchers offer beef and pork versions.

A good portion of the men in Abruzzo own a fornacella, which is an elongated, charcoal-fired, or gas-fired narrow grill that is designed to cook rows of Arrosticini skewers. When cooked right, these delicious skewers of meat can be very addictive!



Check out this informative video from Vincenzo's Plate:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x262_t_7BBo


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Location: Pescara, Province of Pescara, Italy

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