The Evolution of Meatballs: Celebrating National Meatball Day
My photograph of Meatballs for today, National Meatball Day!
While the exact origins of National Meatball Day are unclear, it’s believed to have started in the United States as a way for restaurants and meatball enthusiasts to celebrate this comfort food. Over the years, the holiday has grown in popularity, with eateries offering specials and home cooks sharing their favorite recipes.
In Italy, meatballs—known as polpette—are typically small, made from a blend of pork, beef, or veal mixed with breadcrumbs, garlic, and Parmesan. Unlike the American tradition, they’re rarely served with pasta, instead enjoyed on their own or in broths.
When Italian immigrants arrived in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, they adapted their recipes to the abundance of meat available, creating larger meatballs paired with spaghetti and marinara sauce—an entirely American invention. The meatball sub soon followed, packed with marinara and melted cheese, becoming a deli staple.
See more of my Food Photography and intriguing photo shoots on my website at http://SecondFocus.com Thanks!
SecondFocus Blog 