5.0 from 3 votes
Arrosticini from Abruzzo
Arrosticini, or sheep skewers, are a traditional dish from Abruzzo. Each arrosticini is rich in flavour and incredible in texture. Experience the authentic flavour of arrosticini with these cooking tips from a third-generation master butcher from Abruzzo!
Prep Time
30 mins
Total Time
30 mins
Servings: 12
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Ingredients
- Sheep Meat cuts from various parts of the body with 1/3 fat intact
- salt as much as required
Instructions
To Prepare the Meat
- Choose quality cuts of various parts of the sheep, including shoulder, neck, belly, thigh etc.
- Take care to work with your hands and cut out any nerves or leathery parts. If a butcher is preparing your meat, choose a butcher who works by hand.
- Cut in the direction of the meat to create slices at least 1.5 cm thick.
- Save pieces of fat for extra flavour.
Cup of Yum
To Prepare the Arrosticini (With Cubo)
- Place the thickest cuts of your sheep into the bottom of the Cubo as a base.
- Layer a row of fatty meat on top of the base then conntinue filling the Cubo, row by row, alternating between lean meat, fat, muscle, etc.
- Use your lean meat for the final row then place the lid of the Cubo on top, pressing down firmly.
- Place the Cubo and meat into a cooler/fridge until it reaches 3°C/ 37.4°F.
To Prepare the Arrosticini (By Hand)
- Place a thick cut of sheep onto a bamboo skewer, then create layers of various cuts of meat, alternating between fatty and lean.
- Place the leanest meat on the final row.
To Cook the Arrosticini
- Remove the chilled meat from your refrigerator or cooler and insert bamboo skewers into each hole of the Cubo lid.
- Use a filet knife to cut squares around each skewer, using the grooves of the Cubo as a guide.
- Turn the Cubo sideways and gently pull to remove the arrosticini.
- Line each arrosticini up on top of your fornacella or grill and cook over the coals.
- Sprinkle a very small amount of salt on the arrosticini and rotate them after about 2-3 minutes. Total cooking time is 5 minutes (add a few more minutes for arrosticini prepared by hand).
- Do not overcook. You don’t want to lose the flavour and burn them!
Enjoying Arrosticini
- No need to add any herbs or spices, as the sheep packs an incredible flavour!
- Bite into the skewer from the side to enjoy the amazing flavour combination.
- E ora si mangia, Vincenzo’s Plate....Enjoy!