Arrosticini facts for kids
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| Type | Snack, street food |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Italy |
| Region or state | Abruzzo Molise |
| Main ingredients | Mutton or lamb |
Arrosticini are a popular and tasty snack from the Abruzzo and Molise regions in Italy. They are small skewers of grilled meat, usually made from lamb or sheep. People often call them rustelle, arrustelle, spiedini, or spiducci in local dialects.
Contents
What are Arrosticini?
Arrosticini are a special kind of street food from central Italy. They are made from small pieces of lamb or sheep meat. These meat pieces are cut into cubes and placed onto thin wooden skewers. The skewers are then cooked over a special grill.
How are Arrosticini Made?
There are two main ways arrosticini are made:
- Factory-made: These arrosticini have meat cut into small, even cubes, about 1 centimeter (0.4 inches) on each side. The skewers are usually no longer than 10 centimeters (4 inches).
- Handmade: For these, the meat is cut by hand with a knife. The pieces can be different sizes. Small bits of sheep fat are often put between the meat pieces on the skewer. This makes them extra juicy and flavorful.
Arrosticini are cooked on a special grill called a furnacella. This grill is long and narrow, a bit like a rain gutter. Its shape helps to cook the small skewers perfectly.
Where Did Arrosticini Come From?
Arrosticini first came from the mountainous areas of Abruzzo. Villages like Castilenti, Civitella Casanova, Carpineto, and Villa Celiera are known for them. Shepherds and other people living in these mountains created this dish. They were used to eating simple, hearty food, including sheep meat.
How to Enjoy Arrosticini?
Arrosticini are often served with slices of bread. This bread is usually dipped in extra-virgin olive oil. This combination is called pane 'onde'.
A traditional drink to have with arrosticini is Montepulciano d'Abruzzo wine. The best way to eat arrosticini is by pulling the meat off the skewer with your teeth, piece by piece.
See also
In Spanish: Arrosticini para niños
