Armour Italian Meatballs

🍝 Armour Italian Meatballs 🇮🇹

What is it?
Armour Italian Meatballs are delicious, savory, and classic Italian meatballs. They are a popular dish often served with spaghetti or as part of a sub sandwich. These meatballs are typically made from a mixture of ground meat, breadcrumbs, herbs, and seasonings, and are usually simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce.

History:
The history of Italian meatballs dates back to ancient times. While the precise origin is debated, it is widely accepted that they have been a staple in Italian cuisine for centuries. Italian immigrants brought this beloved dish to the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Since then, Italian meatballs have become a comfort food favorite, loved by people around the world.

Components:

Ground Meat: A blend of ground beef and pork is commonly used, but you can use any meat you prefer, such as ground veal or turkey.
Breadcrumbs: They provide the necessary texture and help bind the meatball mixture.
Herbs and Seasonings: Ingredients like garlic, parsley, basil, oregano, and grated Parmesan cheese add rich flavor.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder to hold the meatball mixture together.
Salt and Pepper: For seasoning.
Olive Oil: For frying the meatballs.
Tomato Sauce: Typically, a delicious tomato sauce is used to simmer the meatballs.

Steps to Prepare:
Here’s a step-by-step guide to making Armour Italian Meatballs:

Prepare the Meat Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
Shape the Meatballs: Take portions of the mixture and roll them into meatballs about 1-2 inches in diameter. You can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference.
Heat the Olive Oil: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Fry the Meatballs: Gently place the meatballs in the hot oil. Fry them until they are browned on all sides, turning them with a spatula as needed. This step ensures they have a crispy, golden crust.
Simmer in Tomato Sauce: Once the meatballs are browned, add them to a pot of tomato sauce. Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for about 20-30 minutes, allowing them to soak up the flavors.
Serve: Serve the meatballs hot, either with pasta, in a sub sandwich, or on their own. You can also sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese and fresh basil for extra flavor.

Preparation Time:
The time needed to prepare Armour Italian Meatballs depends on your cooking skills and the quantity you’re making. On average, it takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to prepare, including both the preparation and cooking time.

Now, you’re all set to enjoy these delectable Italian meatballs, a classic comfort food that’s perfect for family gatherings and weeknight dinners. 🍝🇮🇹 Enjoy!

Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Armour Italian Meatballs:

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: Approximately 250-300 calories per 4-ounce serving.
Protein: Provides a good source of protein, around 15-20 grams per serving.
Fat: Contains a moderate amount of fat, approximately 15-20 grams per serving, with some variations depending on the meat used.
Carbohydrates: About 10-15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Fiber: Minimal to no dietary fiber.
Sodium: The sodium content can vary based on the sauce and seasonings used, but it’s typically moderate to high. It’s advisable to use low-sodium tomato sauce if you want to reduce sodium content.
Sugar: A small amount of sugar, mostly from the tomato sauce and ingredients like breadcrumbs.

Health Information:

Protein: Meatballs are a good source of protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body.
Fats: While they do contain some fat, you can control the fat content by choosing leaner meat or using a mix of lean and fatty meat. Remember that fats are also a source of energy.
Carbohydrates: The carbohydrate content is relatively low, making meatballs suitable for low-carb diets.
Sodium: The sodium content can be a concern for those with high blood pressure or other health conditions. Opt for low-sodium ingredients to reduce the salt content.
Nutrient Variability: Keep in mind that the nutritional content may vary depending on the specific ingredients and preparation methods you use. Using lean meat and incorporating whole-grain breadcrumbs may make the dish healthier.

As with any recipe, moderation is key, and you can adjust the ingredients to meet your dietary preferences and health goals. Consider serving them with whole-grain pasta or adding vegetables to make the dish even more nutritious.