ARROSTICINI ABRUZZESI MADE AT HOME

As we all know, Arrosticini (lamb skewers) are of one of Abruzzo's famous dishes.  Today, they are known around the world.  Even though, they are available in many restaurants, the best arrosticini are the ones hand made at home.

Ingredients:

2 lbs. of lamb leg cut into 1" cubes

1 sprig of rosemary

olive oil

salt and black pepper

Procedure:

To prepare the arrosticini, cut the meat into small cubes of about 1 inch. 

Place the lamb in a bowl with rosemary and olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

                                     

Thread the lamb cubes onto wooden skewers (usually 10 to 12 inches long) neatly making sure that the fat and meat is evenly distributed.

Raw arrosticini and lamb chops ready for the grill

       The arrosticini are traditionally cooked on a special grill called a fornacella, which is a thin, long grill resting on four feet. One end of the skewer has to be left empty so that it can remain off the coals and be used to turn the arrosticini. 

Fornacella

Not having a fornacella, we cook the skewers over our outdoor fire pit.  The coals are prepared beforehand in order to distribute the heat inside very well. 

Cooked the skewers on the hot grill for 15-20 minutes by turning them to cook well on all sides.

Once cooked, slide the hot cubes of meat into the mouth and enjoy taste and tradition.