Food 101 on our fourth season with Chef Alessandro Panattoni.

Food 101

Abruzzo, a region in central Italy, is renowned for its rustic and hearty cuisine, characterized by the use of fresh, local ingredients from both land and sea. Traditional Abruzzese dishes often highlight the region’s pastoral roots, with staples like lamb, pork, and goat frequently featured. One of the most iconic dishes is arrosticini, skewers of grilled lamb seasoned simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Abruzzo is also famous for its handmade pastas, such as maccheroni alla chitarra, a square-cut spaghetti served with rich tomato or meat-based sauces. The coastal influence is seen in seafood dishes like brodetto alla vastese, a flavorful fish stew made with a variety of fresh seafood. The cuisine is complemented by local cheeses, saffron from L’Aquila, and Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, a full-bodied red wine, adding depth and richness to the region’s culinary offerings.