Spanish Meatball or Albondigas, as called in Spanish is a popular dish made of ground meat, which is prepared by rolling the mixture and forming it into the shape of balls using hands. Also added to the meat is a mixture of ingredients like breadcrumbs, spices, eggs, and minced onions. The meatballs can be fried, steamed, baked or braised in sauce.
Types
There are several different recipes for meatballs depending on the meat used and the spices added. There are even alternatives which use vegetables and fish. The meatballs are large varieties which undergo several mutations as one moves from the Balkans towards India. They are made of beef, pork, chicken, turkey, lamb or goat meat.
Nutritive Value
Though the nutrition value of meatballs depends greatly on the meat usedet on a general note one meatball contains 282 calories and a total fat content of 2.3 g per meatball. They also tend to add to the cholesterol content by almost 4%, sodium at 16% and potassium at around 2%. The total carbohydrate intake ranges between 3-5g. The protein content is as high as 53%.
Health Value
While the Spanish meatball is sumptuous in flavor and taste, they may not be a healthy option. They do have a high protein content which will add to the body building process but the carbohydrates values are quite high.. Therefore, it is not a good option for those suffering with heart diseases. A good exercise regime will enable you to enjoy these meatballs without any side-effects of the cholesterol.
Origin
The dish orginiated as Berber and Arab dish which was introduced to the natives of Spain during the prolonged Muslim rule. These are either served as appetizers or as an entire dish with the main course with potatoes and gravy made of tomatoes.