Sautéed Spleen with Onions (Greek)
Sautéed Spleen with Onions is a traditional Greek dish, often called 'Splenaki' (σπληνάκι), featuring thinly sliced beef or lamb spleen quickly pan-fried with onions, garlic, and herbs. It is a classic example of Greek 'magirefta' (stewed or sautéed dishes) and is commonly enjoyed as a main course or meze.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is very high in protein and iron, with a moderate amount of fat and virtually no carbohydrates. A typical serving provides a substantial dose of B vitamins, particularly B12, and key minerals like iron and zinc, with a calorie count roughly between 250-350 kcal.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 310 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 8 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
| Iron | 8.5 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 18.0 mcg |
| Zinc | 6.2 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.7 mg |
| Copper | 0.9 mg |
| Selenium | 42.0 mcg |
| Phosphorus | 380 mg |
| Potassium | 420 mg |
Per 1 cup (220 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culinarily, it's a prime example of nose-to-tail eating, making use of a nutrient-dense organ meat. Nutritionally, spleen is one of the richest dietary sources of iron and B12, making it traditionally valued for combating fatigue and anemia.
