Tradition, local culture, conviviality: the Brescian “Spiedo” (literally “spit” in Italian) is one of the dishes that best represents our land and has been for decades the absolute protagonist of the table at gatherings among friends, relatives, associations, groups.
Let’s find out more about this flagship of Brescian cuisine and some of the secrets that make the spit an authentic art to be handed down from generation to generation!
The Brescian Spiedo, a sacred tradition
An ancient meat dish of hunting derivation, the Spiedo is prepared with game and courtyard animal meat: rolled pork loin or coppa, chicken (thighs, breast or wings), rabbit, birds (for private events only). The original recipe also calls for the use of butter – preferably local one.
Once the various pieces of meat – in jargon “prese” – have been prepared, the skewering stage follows, a true art handed down over the decades: the meat pieces are skewered on long metal spits, alternated and interspersed with a few sage leaves to enhance the flavor. The inclusion of potato slices (about one centimeter thick) is common.
Nothing during the preparation of the Spiedo is left to chance: on each spit the pieces of meat must be arranged in the same order, according to a precise ideal sequence.
The spits thus prepared are placed in a closed-chamber rotisserie, with a blazing brazier to be positioned about 15-20 cm from the meat. The cooking of the Spiedo should be done over low heat and last 5 to 6 hours.
The Spiedo is served with polenta and intingolo, namely the melted butter used for cooking and preserved.
The Brescian Spiedo “De.Co.” designation
In March 2011, the recipe used in Serle and Gussago for the Brescian Spiedo was officially recognized and awarded the De.Co. (Denominazione Comunale – Municipal Designation) title.
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Spiedo and wine: what pairings?
According to tradition, the Brescian Spiedo should be enjoyed together with red wine at room temperature. The most suitable Brescian wines are: Botticino, Garda Classico Groppello, Valtenesi DOC, Curtefranca Rosso Vigna.
Brescian Spiedo: all the details
For all information about the Brescian Spiedo and to know the recommended restaurants, visit ilverospiedo.it.
