We’ve always been captivated by the rustic charm of Italian street food, and Spiedini Alla Romana is a true gem from Rome’s bustling markets. This skewered delight features tender meat grilled with aromatic herbs and cheese, offering a burst of flavors that transport you straight to Italy.
It’s no wonder this classic recipe has won our hearts—it’s simple yet sophisticated, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or lively gatherings. We’re excited to share our take on this timeless dish, so you can bring a taste of Roma to your table.
Ingredients
To craft our delicious Spiedini Alla Romana—a flavorful Italian skewered delight—we’ve curated a list of fresh, high-quality ingredients. These are ordered as they’ll be used in the preparation, with specific prep notes for accuracy and ease.
- Meat: 1 pound of veal or chicken cutlets, thinly sliced (pound to ¼-inch thickness for even grilling and tender results)
- Breadcrumbs: 1 cup of Italian-style breadcrumbs (toasted lightly in a pan for added crunch and flavor)
- Cheese: 8 ounces of mozzarella cheese, cubed (use fresh, high-moisture mozzarella for that signature melt-in-your-mouth texture)
- Herbs and Aromatics: 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, finely chopped; 2 cloves of garlic, minced (combine these for a vibrant, aromatic base that infuses the skewers)
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon of dried oregano; ½ teaspoon of salt; ¼ teaspoon of black pepper (mix these together for a balanced, savory seasoning blend)
- Oil and Acid: ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil; 1 lemon, juiced and zested (the oil for brushing and the lemon for a bright, tangy finish that enhances the grilled flavors)
This selection ensures our Spiedini Alla Romana recipe delivers authentic Roman street food vibes right in your kitchen.
Equipment Needed
To bring our flavorful Spiedini Alla Romana to life, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure precise preparation and authentic grilling. These items help us achieve the perfect char and tender texture, capturing the essence of Roman street food right in our kitchen.
Here’s a curated list of the key equipment we recommend:
- Skewers: We suggest using metal skewers for durability and easy reuse, or wooden ones if soaked in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning. These are crucial for threading the meat, cheese, and herbs.
- Grill or Grill Pan: A charcoal or gas grill provides that smoky flavor, but a sturdy grill pan works well for indoor cooking. Ensure it’s preheated to medium-high heat for even searing.
- Mixing Bowls: At least two medium-sized bowls for marinating the meat and combining breadcrumbs with herbs, allowing us to keep ingredients organized.
- Chef’s Knife and Cutting Board: A sharp chef’s knife for slicing veal or chicken cutlets thinly and dicing mozzarella, paired with a stable cutting board to maintain safety and efficiency.
- Tongs: Long-handled tongs for flipping the skewers without piercing the food, helping us handle the heat safely and achieve golden-brown perfection.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate tools for measuring olive oil, lemon juice, and seasonings, ensuring our recipe’s balance of flavors is spot-on.
With this equipment in hand, we’re set to transition smoothly into the preparation steps, making our Spiedini Alla Romana assembly straightforward and enjoyable.
Instructions
With our fresh ingredients and essential tools ready, we’re thrilled to guide you through crafting our authentic Spiedini Alla Romana. Let’s break down the process step by step for a flavorful, grilled delight straight from Rome.
Prep
First, we prepare the ingredients to ensure everything is ready for marinating and assembly. Begin by patting dry 1 pound of thinly sliced veal or chicken cutlets with paper towels to remove excess moisture—this helps the flavors adhere better. Next, finely chop 2 tablespoons of fresh parsley and 1 tablespoon of fresh rosemary, then grate 1 cup of mozzarella cheese for a melty texture. In a shallow bowl, mix 1 cup of lightly toasted Italian-style breadcrumbs with 1 teaspoon of salt and ½ teaspoon of black pepper to create a crisp coating. Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice a lemon in half and extract 2 tablespoons of juice, which will add a bright, tangy note. This prep sets the stage for the vibrant herbs and zesty citrus to shine in our dish.
Marinate
We marinate the meat to infuse it with rich, aromatic flavors that evoke the streets of Rome. Place the sliced cutlets in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with ¼ cup of extra-virgin olive oil, the 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, the chopped parsley, and rosemary. Add 2 minced garlic cloves for an extra punch of savoriness. Toss everything together using tongs to coat the meat evenly, then cover the bowl and let it sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes. This step allows the herbs and oil to penetrate the meat, creating a juicy, fragrant base that promises a burst of Mediterranean essence with every bite.
Assemble
With the meat marinated, we’re ready to assemble the skewers for that signature layered effect. Thread the cutlets onto pre-soaked wooden or metal skewers, alternating each piece of meat with a slice of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of the breadcrumb mixture for added crunch. Aim for 4-6 pieces per skewer depending on size, ensuring the ingredients are packed tightly to hold together during cooking. For instance, start with a cutlet, add cheese, then breadcrumbs, and repeat—this creates a visually appealing, stacked presentation that will grill to golden perfection and release an irresistible, cheesy aroma as it cooks.
Cook
Finally, we cook the skewers to achieve a charred exterior and tender interior that captures the essence of Roman street food. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F) and lightly brush the grates with extra-virgin olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the assembled skewers on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, flipping once with long-handled tongs until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety and the cheese melts into a gooey, golden delight. As the skewers sizzle, you’ll notice the smoky aroma of herbs mingling with the tangy lemon, resulting in a dish that’s crispy on the outside and succulent inside—perfect for savoring the authentic flavors of Spiedini Alla Romana.
| Cooking Time | Internal Temperature | Grilling Tips |
|---|---|---|
| 4-5 minutes per side | 165°F | Flip once for even char; monitor heat to avoid burning the breadcrumbs |
Make-Ahead Instructions
We understand that preparing Spiedini Alla Romana can fit seamlessly into your busy schedule, allowing you to savor its authentic Roman flavors without last-minute rushes. By prepping components ahead, we ensure the dish retains its vibrant taste and texture while simplifying assembly and grilling day-of.
Prepping Ingredients in Advance
To maintain freshness, we recommend handling certain elements up to 24 hours before cooking:
- Marinate the meat early: Begin by drying your veal or chicken cutlets with paper towels to remove excess moisture. In a mixing bowl, combine the cutlets with extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a blend of chopped herbs like parsley and oregano. This infuses deep flavors and can be covered and refrigerated for up to 24 hours—stir once midway to distribute seasonings evenly.
- Mix the breadcrumb coating: Toast Italian-style breadcrumbs in a dry skillet over medium heat until lightly golden, then mix in grated Parmesan cheese and any additional herbs. Store this mixture in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 8 hours, ensuring it’s ready for quick application.
Assembling Skewers Ahead of Time
For efficiency, we suggest assembling the skewers in advance, but hold off on grilling to preserve quality:
- Thread and store the skewers: After marinating, pat the meat dry, then alternate slices of cutlets with fresh mozzarella cubes and the prepared breadcrumb mixture on metal or pre-soaked wooden skewers. Arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. This step keeps the assembly fresh while allowing flavors to meld.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage is key to our Spiedini Alla Romana success. Use the following guidelines to avoid any loss of texture or taste:
| Component | Make-Ahead Time | Storage Method | Reheating Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marinated Meat | Up to 24 hours | Refrigerated in a sealed container | Bring to room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling |
| Breadcrumb Mixture | Up to 8 hours | Airtight container at room temperature | Use as-is for immediate coating |
| Assembled Skewers | Up to 12 hours | Refrigerated on a covered tray | Grill directly from the fridge, adding 1-2 minutes to cook time for even heating |
By following these steps, we make Spiedini Alla Romana even more accessible for weeknight dinners or gatherings, ensuring every skewer delivers that irresistible charred exterior and tender, herb-infused interior.
Conclusion
We’ve loved guiding you through our take on Spiedini Alla Romana, a dish that brings Rome’s vibrant streets straight to your table. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a simple way to create lasting memories with friends and family.
Try tweaking the herbs or proteins to make it your own, and savor that authentic Italian charm every time you grill. We’re confident you’ll agree it’s a recipe worth repeating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spiedini Alla Romana?
Spiedini Alla Romana is a classic Italian street food from Rome, featuring skewered meat like veal or chicken, grilled with herbs, cheese, and breadcrumbs. It’s known for its rich, flavorful profile that combines simplicity with sophistication, perfect for casual meals or special occasions. This dish brings the taste of Rome right to your kitchen.
What ingredients are needed for Spiedini Alla Romana?
Key ingredients include thinly sliced veal or chicken, Italian-style breadcrumbs, fresh mozzarella, herbs, garlic, extra-virgin olive oil, and lemon juice. Use fresh, high-quality items for authentic flavor. This combination creates a tangy, herbaceous taste that evokes Roman streets.
What equipment is required to make Spiedini Alla Romana?
You’ll need metal or soaked wooden skewers, a grill or grill pan, mixing bowls, a chef’s knife, cutting board, long-handled tongs, and measuring cups. These tools ensure precise preparation and even grilling for that perfect char and tender interior.
How do I prepare Spiedini Alla Romana?
Start by marinating the meat with olive oil, lemon juice, herbs, and garlic. Thread the meat onto skewers with mozzarella and breadcrumbs, then grill for 5-7 minutes per side until charred and juicy. Monitor closely for optimal results, delivering authentic Roman flavors.
Can I make Spiedini Alla Romana ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the meat up to 24 hours in advance and assemble skewers ahead, refrigerating them for freshness. This makes it ideal for busy schedules, allowing quick grilling later while preserving texture and flavor.
How should I store and reheat Spiedini Alla Romana?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on a grill or oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes to maintain the charred exterior and tender interior without drying out the meat.
Are there variations or substitutions for Spiedini Alla Romana?
You can substitute veal with chicken or pork for dietary preferences. Add vegetables like bell peppers for extra crunch, or use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Keep the core herbs and olive oil for that authentic taste, adapting to your needs while staying true to the recipe.