Europe

All European countries.

This type of menestra is a meal on its own. To serve as an appetizer, halve the meat or just skip it. You can also change the vegetables to suit your taste. Stewing meat and vegetables together keeps the food moist. The result is a succulent dish, perfectly cooked and not dry at all.

In Italy, meatballs (polpette) are traditionally served as a second course, often with sauce or vegetables on the side. Smaller meatballs may also be offered as an antipasto or used in soups, pasta dishes, and other regional specialties.