Arrosticini

Also known as arrustelle or rustelle in local dialect, arrosticini are skewers made with castrato, the meat of castrated sheep, mutton, or sometimes even lamb, traditionally grilled on an elongated, charcoal-fired brazier called fornacella. One of the most popular meat dishes of modern Italian cuisine, these skewers were once a staple of shepherds who lived in the mountainous areas of Abruzzo, prepared merely with leftover sheep meat of lesser quality. Today, arrosticini are made with well-marbled, more tender cuts mixed with hefty chunks of ovine fat, which makes them particularly succulent. The skewers are sometimes seasoned with Mediterranean herbs, although they are more often simply generously salted to taste and then seared until almost charred. Arrosticini can be found in almost any village and town throughout the region, especially near the Gran Sasso mountain, but they are also available ready-made in numerous supermarkets. In traditional Abruzzo style, to fully enjoy the tenderness and rich flavor of grilled meat, arrosticini are served sizzling hot and are often accompanied by slices of pane unto - a crusty, homebaked sourdough bread that is grilled and drizzled with extra virgin olive oil. As for the wine pairing, arrosticini go hand in hand with a glass of Montepulciano d'Abruzzo.