Recipe Name: Uccelletti Scappati (Escaped Birds)
Category: Main Courses
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Pork loin | 300g |
| Fresh sage | 12 leaves |
| Pancetta | 50g |
| Pancetta (cured) | 12 slices |
| Luganega sausage | 75g |
| Butter | 35g |
| Fresh rosemary | 1 sprig |
| White wine | 50ml |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fine salt | A pinch |
| White wine | 2 tbsp |
| Butter | 70g |
| Fresh rosemary | 3 sprigs |
| Fresh sage | 6 leaves |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Instructions:
To make Uccelletti Scappati (Escaped Birds), begin by cutting the sausage into bite-sized pieces. You should end up with approximately 16 pieces of sausage. Next, tenderize the pork loin by placing the slices on a piece of parchment paper. Fold the paper over the pork and gently pound with a meat mallet to avoid tearing the meat.
Cut each of the flattened pork slices in half to create strips that are about 6-8 cm wide. On each slice, place a fresh sage leaf and 3-4 small cubes of pancetta, making sure the pieces are spread evenly. You will need to prepare 12 of these portions.
Roll each piece of seasoned pork around the pancetta and sage, creating small, tight bundles. Now, wrap each roll with a slice of smoked pancetta, securing the filling. Skewer the pork rolls onto wooden or metal skewers, alternating with pieces of sausage. You should create 8 skewers in total, ensuring each skewer has a combination of pork rolls and sausage.
In a large frying pan, melt 35g of butter over medium heat. Add the fresh sage leaves and rosemary sprigs, infusing the butter with their aromatic flavors. Once the butter has melted and become fragrant, place the skewers in the pan, cooking them slowly to ensure the meat is evenly browned on all sides. As the skewers cook, pour in the white wine, allowing it to deglaze the pan and create a delicious sauce.
Once the skewers are fully cooked and the meat is tender, transfer them to a plate, and cover to keep warm. Add another 70g of butter to the pan, along with the remaining rosemary and sage leaves, allowing them to infuse once again into the sauce. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Finally, pour the buttery sauce over the skewers, and serve hot. These Uccelletti Scappati make a perfect main course for any special occasion, offering a delicious combination of tender pork, flavorful sausage, and aromatic herbs wrapped in crispy pancetta.
Enjoy with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
Nutritional Information: (estimated per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 28g |
| Carbohydrates | 2g |
| Fat | 25g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 60mg |
| Sodium | 700mg |
| Fiber | 1g |
This recipe combines rich, savory flavors with simple ingredients, making it a crowd-pleasing option for dinner. The key to perfecting Uccelletti Scappati is to cook the skewers slowly, ensuring the meat remains juicy and tender while absorbing the delicious aromas of the herbs and pancetta. Whether you’re serving this dish for a special dinner or simply enjoying a hearty meal at home, it’s a wonderful way to indulge in Italian culinary tradition.
