Fritto Misto di Animelle
Fritto Misto di Animelle is a classic Roman dish featuring fried lamb or veal sweetbreads (the thymus gland or pancreas), often combined with other ingredients like artichoke hearts, zucchini, or mozzarella. The pieces are typically dredged in flour and deep-fried until golden and crispy. It's a beloved antipasto or secondo in traditional Roman cuisine.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is high in protein and fat due to the sweetbreads and frying method, with minimal carbohydrates unless served with a starchy accompaniment. A serving provides significant B vitamins (especially B12), iron, and selenium, with a calorie count that can range from 400 to 600 kcal per typical portion.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 38 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Sodium | 350 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 18 mcg |
| Selenium | 45 mcg |
| Zinc | 6 mg |
| Phosphorus | 380 mg |
| Iron | 4 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.5 mg |
| Copper | 0.4 mg |
| Vitamin A | 120 mcg RAE |
Per 1 serving (about 150 g of fried sweetbreads with a small portion of fried vegetables) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, it's a prime example of Roman 'cucina povera' (peasant cooking) that transforms offal into a delicacy. Nutritionally, sweetbreads are a surprisingly dense source of high-quality protein and essential minerals like zinc and phosphorus.
