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!

greek film festival melbourne

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

‘Compassion, community and purpose’ define the 2025 Jenny Souris Foundation Gala

The Jenny Souris Foundation Gala returned on Wednesday, 15 October 2025, with heart and purpose, drawing around 300 guests.

Thousands attend inaugural Brunswick Greek Festival

Thousands of people attended the Brunswick Greek Festival which was organised and run by the St Eleftherios Albion Street Brunswick parish.

St John’s church in Carlton hosts annual celebration for Patron Saint of police officers

The annual celebration of Saint Artemios’ feast day is one of the key events on the Victoria Hellenic Police Association (VHPA) calendar.

Greek Deputy Foreign Minister Ioannis Loverdos strengthens ties in Adelaide visit

Greece's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for Greeks Abroad, Ioannis Loverdos, is visiting Adelaide, South Australia.

Ex-Collingwood captain sues former manager Jason Sourasis for $3 million

Former Collingwood captain Scott Pendlebury has filed a $3 million lawsuit against his former manager and long-time friend Jason Sourasis.

You May Also Like

Iconic Greek actress Martha Karagianni passes away aged 82

One of the most iconic actresses of Greek cinema and theatre, Martha Karagianni, passed away on Sunday at the age of 82.

The endometriosis diet explained by maternal and foetal health dietitian Georgia Pandelios

With March being Endometriosis Awareness Month, it’s only fitting to discuss this condition and it’s management in relation to diet.

Dionysus Theatre Company provides plenty of laughs at premiere of ‘I have a goal, your Honour’

Dionysus Theatre Company opened to huge applause on Friday, September 18, with the premiere of their comedy, ‘I have a goal, Your Honour.’