Abruzzo’s Cuisine: The Regional Cuisine of Abruzzo, Italy

Each Italian region has unique dishes using local ingredients. One of the exciting aspects of travelling to different regions in Italy is enjoying the diversity of the food. One Italian region with some delicious dishes is Abruzzo. Here is an overview of Abruzzo’s cuisine.

Where Is Abruzzo?

Abruzzo is a region in southern Italy, to the east of Rome, along the Adriatic Sea. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming medieval towns, and delicious cuisine.

Common Ingredients in Abruzzo’s Cuisine

Some common ingredients used in Abruzzese cuisine include pasta, olive oil, tomatoes, peppers, lamb, pork, and seafood. Other ingredients, such as garlic, rosemary, and chillies, are also commonly used to add flavour to dishes. Furthermore, the region is famous for its cheeses, including pecorino and ricotta, and cured meats like prosciutto and salami.

Abruzzo’s Cuisine: Some of the Region’s Best Dishes

The cuisine of Abruzzo offers a wide variety of delicious dishes characterized by their simplicity, rusticity, and use of locally sourced ingredients. Some famous examples of dishes from Abruzzo include:

• Arrosticini: Skewers of tender, grilled lamb
• Spaghetti alla chitarra: (pictured) A pasta dish made with a special tool called a “chitarra.” The dish consists of spaghetti and meatballs served with a tomato-based sauce.
• Scrippelle ‘mbusse: A savoury crepe soup made with chicken broth, eggs, and grated pecorino cheese.
• Brodetto alla Vastese: A hearty fish stew made with a variety of seafood, tomatoes, and chilli peppers.
• Pallotte cacio e ovo: Fried balls made with breadcrumbs, cheese, and eggs.
• Virtù: A vegetable soup made with a variety of seasonal vegetables and legumes
• Timballo: A baked pasta dish made with ziti, meat sauce, and creamy bechamel sauce.

These are just a few examples of the many delicious dishes in Abruzzo’s cuisine. If you want to learn more about the regional cuisine of Italy, you might like to read our articles about the cuisine of Trentino-Alto-Adige, Aosta Valley, Piedmont, Sardinia, and Sicily.

Have you tried the cuisine of Abruzzo? In the comments below, let us know about your favourite dishes and dining experiences.