Olive all'Ascolana Fritte Classiche
Ascoli Piceno, Marche
The defining antipasto of Ascoli Piceno: large Ascoliva Tenera DOP olives (Italy's most tender, mildest cultivar) pitted by spiral-cutting, stuffed with a braised meat filling of veal, pork, chicken, Parmigiano, nutmeg, and lemon zest, then breaded and deep-fried to golden. The olive remains intact as a spiral casing. The contrast of briny-mild olive, savoury meat, and shatteringly crisp breadcrumb is the defining Marchigiano street food.