Description
Soutzoukakia, or Greek meatballs, are a delightful culinary experience that brings the rich flavors of Mediterranean cuisine right to your table. These football-shaped meatballs are made from seasoned ground beef and simmered in a fragrant tomato sauce infused with aromatic spices like cumin and cinnamon. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, Soutzoukakia can be served over rice, pasta, or alongside fresh bread, making them an adaptable choice for any occasion. The tender texture and savory flavor profile are sure to impress even the pickiest eaters.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 Tbsp oil
- 2 slices bread
- ½ cup milk
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1.5 tsp cinnamon
- 1.5 tsp dried oregano
- ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 eggs
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 Tbsp oil (for sauce)
- 1 medium onion
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 15oz cans tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup red apple vinegar
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 tsp cumin (for sauce)
- ½ tsp cinnamon (for sauce)
- Sugar, to taste (for sauce)
- Salt, to taste (for sauce)
- Pepper, to taste (for sauce)
Instructions
- Soak the bread in milk for a few minutes and squeeze out excess liquid.
- In a large bowl, combine the soaked bread with ground beef, chopped garlic, spices, parsley, eggs, salt, and pepper. Mix gently and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Shape the mixture into oblong meatballs.
- Heat oil in a frying pan and brown the meatballs on all sides.
- Sauté onion and garlic in the same pan until translucent.
- Add tomato sauce, bay leaf, spices, and vinegar; simmer for about 15 minutes.
- Add the meatballs back to the sauce and simmer uncovered for another 15 minutes.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying/Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 120mg