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Anna and Frankie’s Meatballs

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🍝 Anna and Frankie’s Meatballs 🍝

What is it?
Anna and Frankie’s Meatballs are a classic Italian-American dish consisting of seasoned ground meat, typically a mixture of beef and pork, formed into small, round balls and then cooked in a rich tomato sauce. These meatballs are bursting with flavor and often served with pasta, such as spaghetti or in a sub sandwich.

History:
The origins of meatballs can be traced back to various cultures, but the Italian version, known as “polpette” or “polpettone,” gained popularity in the United States, particularly in Italian-American communities. Italian immigrants brought their culinary traditions to America, and over time, meatballs became a beloved comfort food.

Components:
To make Anna and Frankie’s Meatballs, you’ll need the following components:

Ingredients:

  • Ground beef and pork (or a combination)
  • Breadcrumbs
  • Eggs
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Fresh parsley
  • Garlic
  • Salt and pepper
  • Olive oil
  • Tomato sauce

Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to preparing Anna and Frankie’s Meatballs:

  1. Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef and pork. Add breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, grated Parmesan cheese, finely chopped fresh parsley, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.

  2. Form Meatballs: Take small portions of the mixture and roll them between your hands to form meatballs. The size can vary depending on your preference, but they are typically around 1 to 1.5 inches in diameter.

  3. Sear Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and sear them on all sides until they are browned and crispy. This step adds a delicious crust to the meatballs.

  4. Simmer in Sauce: Once the meatballs are seared, transfer them to a pot with your favorite tomato sauce. You can use homemade or store-bought sauce. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for about 30 minutes to an hour to let them absorb the flavors and become tender.

  5. Serve: Serve the meatballs and sauce over cooked spaghetti or in a sub sandwich. Garnish with additional grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.

Preparation Time:
The total time needed to prepare Anna and Frankie’s Meatballs can vary depending on your cooking skills and the quantity you’re making. On average, it takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours from start to finish, including preparation and cooking time.

These meatballs are a labor of love, but the result is a delicious, hearty dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or a comforting weeknight dinner. Enjoy! πŸπŸ˜‹

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and health information for a typical serving of Anna and Frankie’s Meatballs:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

  • Calories: Approximately 300-400 calories per serving, depending on the size of the meatballs and the amount of sauce used.
  • Protein: A serving typically contains around 15-20 grams of protein.
  • Fat: The dish is moderately high in fat, with approximately 20-30 grams of fat per serving.
  • Carbohydrates: There are around 10-15 grams of carbohydrates per serving, mainly from breadcrumbs and the tomato sauce.
  • Fiber: There’s minimal dietary fiber in the dish, typically around 1-2 grams per serving.
  • Sugars: The tomato sauce may add some natural sugars, contributing to around 2-4 grams of sugar per serving.
  • Sodium: Depending on the sauce and seasoning, a serving may contain 500-800 milligrams of sodium or more. Be mindful of this if you’re watching your sodium intake.

Health Information:

  1. Protein: Meatballs are a good source of protein, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
  2. Fat: While meatballs contain fat, it’s important to choose lean cuts of meat or a lean meat-to-fat ratio for a healthier option. You can also drain excess fat after searing.
  3. Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content primarily comes from breadcrumbs. Consider using whole wheat breadcrumbs for added fiber.
  4. Sugars: Most of the sugar content comes from the natural sugars in the tomato sauce. Opt for sauces with no added sugars if you want to reduce sugar intake.
  5. Sodium: Be cautious with the sodium content, especially if you have high blood pressure or are watching your salt intake. Choose low-sodium tomato sauce or make your own with less salt.

Overall, Anna and Frankie’s Meatballs can be a delicious and satisfying dish when enjoyed in moderation. To make it even healthier, you can use leaner meats, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and a tomato sauce with reduced sodium and added vegetables for extra nutrients.

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