Braised Sweetbreads
Braised Sweetbreads are a classic French and Italian delicacy made from the thymus or pancreas glands of young calves or lambs. The meat is typically soaked, poached, then dredged in flour and sautéed before being slowly simmered in a rich broth with aromatics like onions, carrots, celery, and herbs. The result is a tender, creamy-textured dish with a mild, savory flavor, often finished with a pan sauce.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is very high in protein and fat, with negligible carbohydrates. A single serving provides substantial amounts of B vitamins, particularly B12, and minerals like selenium and phosphorus, with a calorie count typically ranging from 400 to 500 kcal depending on the cut and sauce richness.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 450 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 5 g |
| Fat | 35 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 12.5 mcg |
| Selenium | 42 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 380 mg |
| Zinc | 5.2 mg |
| Riboflavin (B2) | 0.5 mg |
| Niacin (B3) | 6.8 mg |
| Iron | 3.1 mg |
| Copper | 0.3 mg |
Per 1 cup (170 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Sweetbreads have been considered a luxury ingredient in European gastronomy for centuries, prized for their unique, delicate texture that contrasts with most organ meats. Nutritionally, they are an exceptionally dense source of complete protein and essential nutrients, though they are also high in cholesterol.
