Best Fried Italian Meatballs (Vrasciole)

These are the best fried Italian meatballs and in Calabria they’re called vrasciole. Italians love meatballs including them in soups, pasta al forno, and more. In south Italy, they usually boil meatballs in soup or fry them in olive oil.

What Are Italian Meatballs

Italian meatballs are usually made with lean ground beef, parmigiano reggiano, eggs, breadcrumbs, herbs, salt, and pepper. However, each region of Italy has a different take on meatballs including different spices or herbs.

Originally from Calabria, vrasciole are log or disk-shaped. They’re especially popular in mountain towns. The mountains are full of healthy cows that roam freely through the countryside. They occasionally cross the road alone or in small groups, it’s the most traffic you’ll see for miles. The beef in Calabria primarily comes from these cows.

We often eat these in the fall or winter but they’re so delicious we crave them year-round. Calabria is famous for its coast and seafood but it also has a large mountainous region.

Shape and Size

In log shape vrasciole are approximately 2 1/2″ long x 1″ wide x 1″ tall. They’re basically a very long and narrow meatball but fried and way better than regular old round meatballs.

You can also find them in the shape of a disk approximately 2 1/2″ around x 1/2″ tall. Shape them in the method you prefer. However, make sure they are not too dense or long because they can take longer to cook or get cakey.

When to Make & Eat Fried Italian Meatballs (Vrasciole)

We make Italian fried meatballs (vrasciole) on Sundays for lunch because it’s the biggest meal of the week. In Italy, Sundays are reserved for family and eating. So you better be at the table at 1 pm sharp because nonna is making her famous fried meatballs. Also, it takes time to make vrasciole and on Sunday there is no rush.

How to Make Italian Meatballs (Vrasciole)

Mix all of the ground beef, garlic, pecorino romano, egg, salt, pepper, and parsley. Make sure to keep the bread crumbs separate. Mix the breadcrumbs with water and then add to the meat and mix for 10 minutes.

It’s extremely important to let the meat rest for at least 45 minutes. Don’t skip this step because it helps the meat to truly stick together. Finally shape the meatballs into the shape of vrasciole or your preferred shape. Fry them up. However, if you feel impartial to frying you can bake them, see below.

Giuseppe’s mom often makes vrasciole that are round and flat (sort of disc-like). This is how she always makes them. In other parts of Calabria, you’ll find different shapes or sizes, but the log shape is most typical in Calabria.

When Giuseppe or his mom makes these they don’t measure. They add everything to a bowl and more of one ingredient or another based on the texture of the meat mixture. This dish takes time, practice, and most importantly, love.

How to Cook Italian Fried Meatballs

Traditional Italian meatballs like vrasciole are always fried. *Shocking*. Italians in general, but especially Calabrians love fried food. So it’s no surprise they fry their signature meatballs as well.

We break from tradition in this recipe because we prefer to bake these meatballs. It’s less work and the house doesn’t smell like fried food. But it does smell like delicious roasting meatballs!

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Pssst, we wrote a book called The Olive Oil Enthusiast, have you ordered it yet?

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