What You’ll Need
- 1 pound of lamb, cut into small cubes
- Extra-virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers, soaked in water for at least 30 minutes
- Baking sheet or oven-safe grilling rack
Step 1: Preparing the Lamb
Start by cutting the lamb into small, bite-sized cubes. Trim any excess fat and season the meat with salt and pepper to taste. Place the lamb cubes in a bowl and drizzle with a generous amount of extra-virgin olive oil, ensuring they are well coated. Let the meat marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop.
Step 2: Preheating the Oven
While the lamb is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the desired temperature by the time the arrosticini are ready to be baked.
Step 3: Skewering the Lamb
Remove the lamb cubes from the fridge and skewer them onto the soaked wooden skewers. Ensure the meat is evenly distributed, leaving a small gap between each cube to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Baking the Arrosticini
Place the skewers on a baking sheet or an oven-safe grilling rack, ensuring they are arranged in a single layer. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. Bake the arrosticini in the preheated oven for approximately 10-12 minutes, or until the lamb is cooked to your desired level of doneness.
Step 5: Resting and Serving
Once cooked, remove the arrosticini from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in tender and flavorful skewers. Serve your perfectly cooked arrosticini alongside a side of traditional Italian condiments, such as homemade salsa verde or a fresh tomato salad.
With this simple guide, you can easily recreate the flavors of Abruzzo in your own kitchen. Baking arrosticini in the oven is a convenient alternative to grilling, bringing the taste of Italy to your table without the need for outdoor cooking equipment. So gather your ingredients and get ready to indulge in this delicious and authentic Italian dish!