Abruzzi is located on the central eastern part of Italy on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. The area is 2/3 mountains and 1/3 hills. The Adriatic Sea and inland lakes and streams provide a wide variety of fish and shellfish, some of which are featured below.
Acciughe all'Abruzzese (Anchovies Abruzzi Style) includes both fresh and salted anchovies, eggs, parsley, lemon, breadcrumbs, and a few other ingredients. The hardest part of preparing it is cleaning the fresh anchovies. Once they are good and clean add the stuffing which includes more anchovies! If you like anchovies, you should enjoy this unusual dish with a Verdicchio dei Castelli di Jesi DOC from the neighboring region of The Marches, or a Greco di Tufo DOCG wine from Campania.
For starters many people prefer Zuppa di Lenticchie (Lentil Soup) which is easy to make once you soak the lentils. Optional ingredients include chestnuts, salt pork, tomatoes, and chili peppers. Pair this lentil soup with an Italian Pinot Grigio.
The Adriatic coast abounds with fish and seafood. You should try Calamari Ripieni (Stuffed Squid) whose stuffing consists of garlic, breadcrumbs, olive oil, parsley, and other ingredients. Many chefs add dry white wine and plenty of gambieri (scampi) to the stuffing. Can you blame them? Suggested wine pairings include Gavi DOCG, also called Cortese di Gavi, from Piedmont and Orvieto DOC from Umbria or Latium.
Another fine fish dish is Coda di Rospo alla Cacciatora (Monkfish Hunter's Style) made with garlic, rosemary, anchovies, and those ubiquitous chili peppers. Recommended wine pairings include Chardonnay or Riesling, from Italy.
Perhaps reading about all these unusual dishes makes you want some spaghetti. Abruzzi is a great place for traditional pasta dishes such as Spaghetti Aglio e Olio (Spaghetti with Oil and Garlic). The special ingredient, chili peppers and lots of them. Enjoy this simple but satisfying dish with an Italian Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. And hold the meatballs.
Levi Reiss has authored or co-authored ten books on computers and the Internet, but to be honest, he would rather just drink Italian, French, or other wine, accompanied by the right foods and spend time with his wife and family. He teaches classes in computers at an Ontario French-language community college. Visit his site devoted to Italian food at http://www.fooditalyfood.com
You'll find a weekly review of $10 wines and lots more wine information and reviews on his global wine website http://www.theworldwidewine.com
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