Traditional Greek Recipes: Soutzoukakia Smyrneika (Baked Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)

·

Delicious, packed with Mediterranean flavours and covered in a rich and thick tomato sauce! This traditional soutzoukakia recipe was introduced to the Greek cuisine in the beginning of the 20th century and has its origin from the city of Smyrni.

This is a hearty Greek dish, perfect for a big family meal!

Ingredients

  • 3 thick slices of bread, soaked in water
  • 500 gr. / 1 lb. finely minced beef
  • 1 egg
  • 6 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 small glasses of white wine
  • 30 gr. flour (for frying)
  • 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons tomato puree or 2 cans tomato roughly chopped to garnish
  • Chopped parsley (to garnish)

Instructions

  1. Soak the bread in water for 10 minutes and discard the crust. Squeeze the water from the bread and mix with the mince, egg, garlic, cumin, cinnamon, salt, pepper and 1 small glass of the wine. The best results for mixing are always achieved by using your hands.
  2. When properly mixed make long thin shapes, like fat cigars, about the length of your finger (around 15 of them), roll them in the flour and fry in the vegetable oil on medium heat, making sure that they are crisp all over. 
  3. In the meantime, put the olive oil in a saucepan and when it’s warm, add the tomatoes and the rest of the wine. Cook slowly for 5 minutes, stirring and ensure it does not stick.
  4. Add the Soutzoukakia as they come out of the frying pan, covering them with tomato sauce, add a little more water if needed, cover and cook slowly for 10 minutes.
  5. Garnish with chopped parsley. With its rich sauce it can be served with plain white rice or mashed potatoes as a main dish. They also make great starters for a dinner party!
  • Servings : 4 to 6 people 
  • Ready in : 75 Minutes

Kali Oreksi!

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

From Metallica to Maritime: The many lives of Greek shipping tycoon Harry Vafias

Though Greek shipping tycoon, Harry Vafias, spends much time working, it certainly isn't a case of 'all work and no play.’

‘I want them to know their word matters’: Peter Georgiou stands against gender violence

Peter Georgiou, a real estate agent from Rushcutters Bay and father of four-year-old twins Leila and Lola, believes change begins at home.

Thessaloniki’s Byzantine walls to shine with new light project

Thessaloniki’s iconic Byzantine Walls are set to be illuminated under a major cultural initiative announced by the Greek Ministry of Culture.

Greek World Heritage Cities face rising climate threats

Iconic Greek cities—Athens, Thessaloniki, Corfu, Rhodes, and Patmos—face serious climate threats, according to a new UNESCO-backed report.

Are apps like Duolingo enough to learn Greek, or do we need a tutor?

For many people who want to learn conversational Greek, an app, can be a very useful addition to your program.

You May Also Like

Traditional Greek Recipes: Beef Kapama

Tender and juicy with the aromas of cinnamon and clove beef kapama is a delicious and easy recipe perfect for a Sunday family dinner.

Maria Sakkari crashes out of Qatar Total Open in quarter finals

Maria Sakkari was defeated by Spanish-Venezuelan tennis player Garbiñe Muguruza 6-3 6-1, signalling the end of her Qatar Total Open campaign.

History made as Greek Orthodox church service opens parliamentary year

The Ecumenical Service to mark the start of the Australian Parliament was held this morning at St Nicholas Greek Orthodox church in Canberra.