How Many Calories in Romanian Meatballs (Chiftele)?
1 chiftea medie (60g) = 141 kcal
Nutritional Values per 100g
Standard Serving
1 chiftea medie (60g) contains 141 calories.
Best time: Good for lunch or dinner, alongside a vegetable side or salad, for a calorie-balanced meal
Benefits
- ✓A good source of complete protein (about 15.5g/100g), useful for muscle recovery and maintenance
- ✓Contains heme iron from the beef/pork, which is better absorbed than iron from plant sources
- ✓A moderate portion (2-3 meatballs) fits comfortably into a balanced meal alongside vegetables and a complex carb source
- ✓The classic recipe, baked or grilled, significantly reduces absorbed fat compared to deep-frying
Considerations
- !Values are average, based on the classic Romanian recipe (pork and beef, bread soaked in milk, egg, onion) - they vary significantly with the fat content of the meat used and the cooking method
- !Meatballs deep-fried in oil can have 30-50% more calories than baked or grilled ones, due to absorbed oil
- !The bread and egg in the mix add carbs and cholesterol - worth considering for those tracking macronutrient intake
FitAzi Tip
FitAzi recommends baking or grilling meatballs instead of deep-frying, to cut calories from absorbed fat by up to a third without sacrificing taste or texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
A medium meatball (about 60g) has around 140 calories, depending on the recipe and cooking method. Per 100g, pork and beef meatballs average 235 calories. Baked or grilled meatballs typically have 20-30% fewer calories than deep-fried ones.
Yes, significantly fewer. Deep-frying adds absorbed oil to the mix, which can raise calories by 30-50% compared to a baked or grilled version. For a lighter meal, bake meatballs on a lined tray without added oil.
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Nutritional values shown are approximate and may vary depending on preparation method and origin. Consult a nutrition specialist for personalized recommendations.