Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound of ground beef
- 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- 8 ounces of fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into small cubes
- 16 wooden skewers
Special equipment needed:
- Grill or grill pan
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, basil, parsley, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
2. Divide the mixture into 16 equal portions and shape each portion into a small sausage shape.
3. Insert a wooden skewer through each sausage shape, making sure the skewer goes through the center.
4. Place the skewers on a plate and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
6. Grill the arrosticini for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until cooked through.
7. During the last minute of cooking, add a few cubes of mozzarella cheese to each skewer and allow it to melt slightly.
8. Remove the skewers from the grill and serve immediately.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Refrigeration time: 30 minutes
- Cooking time: 8-10 minutes
Temperature:
- Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Serving size:
- Makes 16 arrosticini
- Serves 4-6 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 240
- Fat: 14g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Protein: 21g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground lamb or ground pork.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with almond flour or coconut flour.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any other type of cheese that melts well.
Variations:
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the meat mixture for added flavor.
- Use different herbs such as oregano or thyme instead of basil and parsley.
- Make a dipping sauce by combining mayonnaise, lemon juice, and chopped garlic.
Tips and tricks:
- Soak the wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes before using them to prevent them from burning on the grill.
- Don't overwork the meat mixture when shaping the arrosticini to avoid tough meat.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the arrosticini are cooked to an internal temperature of 160°F.
Storage instructions:
- Store any leftover arrosticini in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the arrosticini in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the arrosticini on a platter with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs on top.
Garnishes:
- Garnish with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or grilled vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled zucchini
- Roasted potatoes
- Caprese salad
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the arrosticini are falling apart on the grill, try adding more breadcrumbs to the meat mixture to help bind it together.
Food safety advice:
- Always cook ground meat to an internal temperature of 160°F to ensure it is safe to eat.
Food history:
- Arrosticini are a traditional Italian dish from the Abruzzo region, typically made with lamb or mutton.
Flavor profiles:
- Savory, herby, and cheesy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or main dish.
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Region: Italian