Stuffed heart with herbs and breadcrumbs
Stuffed heart with herbs and breadcrumbs is a traditional, rustic dish made by filling a whole beef or lamb heart with a savory mixture of breadcrumbs, fresh herbs like parsley and sage, onions, and sometimes garlic or bacon. This hearty preparation is popular in various European cuisines, particularly in British, Italian, and Eastern European culinary traditions, where offal is valued for its rich flavor and nutritional density.
🍽️ Nutrition at a glance
This dish is exceptionally high in protein and rich in iron, zinc, and B vitamins, especially B12, making it a nutrient-dense meal. A typical serving contains moderate fat from the heart meat and any added fats in the stuffing, with relatively low carbohydrates unless the breadcrumb stuffing is very generous, and provides roughly 300-400 calories per serving.
Nutrition breakdown
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Carbs | 12 g |
| Fat | 16 g |
| Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 480 mg |
| Iron | 5.8 mg |
| Zinc | 6.2 mg |
| Vitamin B12 | 12.5 µg |
| Niacin (B3) | 11 mg |
| Selenium | 32 µg |
| Phosphorus | 320 mg |
| Potassium | 410 mg |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.7 mg |
Per 1 stuffed heart half (approximately 200 g) · estimated, varies by recipe
💡 What's interesting
Culinarily, it's a classic example of nose-to-tail eating, transforming a lean, muscular organ into a flavorful centerpiece. Nutritionally, it's a powerhouse for heme iron, which is more easily absorbed than plant-based iron, making it particularly beneficial for those needing to boost their iron levels.
