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Abbacchio

Lamb · Rack
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Raw Abbacchio — Lamb Rack cut
Also called
🇪🇸Cordero lechal
→ See all Abbacchio substitutes by country

The Roman tradition of suckling lamb, PGI-protected as 'Abbacchio Romano' since 2009. Lambs are slaughtered young (under 60 days, weighing 8–13kg) and the entire animal is broken down for various preparations: *abbacchio alla romana* (braised in white wine with garlic, anchovies, and herbs), *abbacchio alla cacciatora* (hunter-style with vinegar and rosemary), or roasted whole on Easter. Distinct from broader Italian *agnello da latte* (milk-fed lamb) by the Roman/Lazio regional protocol and the specific preparation traditions that go with it.

Names by country

CountryNameNotes
🇮🇹ItalyAbbacchioprimaryRoman/Lazio PGI tradition; 'Abbacchio Romano' protected since 2009.

Free Abbacchio reference card

Diagram, cooking notes, and 8 names on one printable page.

Free. One-page reference.

Similar cuts

Leitão da Bairrada
Leitão da Bairradaapproximate

Both are PGI suckling-animal traditions (Portuguese suckling pig and Roman suckling lamb). Different animals, similar age class and ceremonial role.

Cabrito
Cabritoapproximate

Both very-young milk-fed animals at the centre of European spring/Easter food traditions — abbacchio is the Roman suckling-lamb version, cabrito is the Iberian kid-goat counterpart.

Lamb Rack
Lamb Rackapproximate

Same anatomical primal but younger animal — abbacchio is whole-animal-young, regular lamb rack comes from older lambs.

NeckRackLoinChumpLegShoulderBreast

Classic recipe

Abbacchio alla Romana (Roman Suckling Lamb)1 hr 15 min

Rome's Easter dish — milk-fed suckling lamb roasted with rosemary, garlic, white wine, and anchovies. The sauce starts a…

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