Milza (Italy)
Milza, also known as 'Milza fritta' or fried spleen, is a traditional Sicilian street food consisting of thinly sliced beef or pork spleen, typically breaded and deep-fried. It is a beloved and rustic delicacy, often served in a sesame seed bun as a sandwich ('panino con la milza') or as a standalone fried dish. The dish is most iconic in Palermo, where it's a staple of the city's vibrant street food culture.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
Milza is a high-protein, high-fat dish due to its organ meat base and frying preparation, with minimal carbohydrates unless served in a bread roll. It is an excellent source of iron, vitamin B12, and other B vitamins, with a rough calorie estimate of 350-450 kcal per typical sandwich serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 400 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 32 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
| Iron | 6 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 15 µg |
| Zinc | 4 mg |
| Selenium | 20 µg |
| Phosphorus | 300 mg |
| Copper | 0.8 mg |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.5 mg |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 8 mg |
Per 1 sandwich (approximately 200g total, including bread and fried spleen) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culturally, milza is a prime example of Sicily's historical 'cucina povera' (peasant cooking), transforming a humble, nutrient-dense offal into a celebrated street food. Nutritionally, it's a powerhouse of heme iron, which is highly bioavailable and particularly beneficial for preventing iron deficiency.
