Its Raining Meatballs ..... history and a frugal recipe

Meatballs may be one of the most versatile foods ever created. Created from ground or minced meat mixed with other ingredients such as breadcrumbs, herbs, and spices and rolled into a ball. Meatballs can be used in a variety of ways from pastas to soups and sandwiches to the top of a bed of rice. Meatballs are often served with a sauce or plain. 

The source of the meatball is not known. Perhaps it was from Persia where the need to do something with leftover meat led to Kofta. 

Perhaps  it traveled to the Middle East and China where Venetian traders brought the meatball to Europe. Others say that it was the Ancient Romans that first created the meatball. It truly seems that every culture has their own form of meatball. The difference in them depends on the country and availability of meat. 

Sweden has their Swedish Meatballs or kottbullar. Served with potatoes and gravy the Swedish dish only takes a few easy steps to make. 

In India meatballs are made from lamb. Served with rice and a green chili curry. 

In the United States an Italian - American dish has become a comfort food and is a great way to serve meatballs. Spaghetti and meatball is often thought to be a traditional dish from Italy but the truth is that in Italy the meatball is a polpettes and is eaten alone or inside soup. 

Another favorite use for the meatball is in a sandwich. Traditionally served on a sub roll the Meatball sub can be an affordable dish to fix and serve: 

If you are looking for a inexpensive idea for dinner you can make 4 subs for $6.00 instead of paying $6 per Footlong which would equal $24 for 4 subs. That’s appealing to me!

Start with the Italian Bread. where we live you can find it $1 a loaf  If you want before heating up butter the top bread or spray with Pam and sprinkle parmesan and italian seasoning over top. .Each sandwich gets 1/2 of the loaf. Total for bread $2

Meatballs this week are on sale for $3

Now on to the tomato sauce. Where I shop I can find this for $1 a can as well.

I have a new can of Parmesan cheese so no cost for this product but if you would have to buy a jar you may have to spend $3 for can and only use $1 worth so total $1.

Parmesan cheese now I buy this for $4.00 but it last me forever so my actual usage with in this meal is not much.

Bread $2.00

Sauce $1.00

Meatballs $3

Cheese $0

Total $6