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Arrosticini recipe
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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!
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 12

Equipment

  • 1 Butcher knife
  • 1 Chopping-board
  • 1 Cubo box
  • Bamboo skewers
  • 1 Filet knife
  • 1 Fornacella or another grill
  • Coal

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.

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 34.7°F/1.5°C.

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!

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