Soutzoukakia Smyrneika are traditional Greek spiced meatballs, traditionally made with lean ground beef and soaked bread for tenderness. These sausage-like morsels are gently fried until golden and then simmered in a robust sauce of peeled tomatoes, garlic, white wine, and aromatic spices. The result is a dish that balances savory depth with bright acidity, offering a comforting yet sophisticated flavor profile. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a special gathering, they pair beautifully with steamed rice, bulgur, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. This recipe captures the essence of Greek home cooking with its simple ingredients and rich, satisfying results.
Soutzoukakia Smyrneika
Description
Soutzoukakia Smyrneika are traditional Greek spiced meatballs, traditionally made with lean ground beef and soaked bread for tenderness. These sausage-like morsels are gently fried until golden and then simmered in a robust sauce of peeled tomatoes, garlic, white wine, and aromatic spices. The result is a dish that balances savory depth with bright acidity, offering a comforting yet sophisticated flavor profile. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner or a special gathering, they pair beautifully with steamed rice, bulgur, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.Ingredients
Directions
-
In a saucepan, combine melted butter, peeled tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, 1 crushed garlic clove, white wine, and bay leaf.
-
Simmer the sauce over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes break down.
-
Strain the sauce through a fine sieve or food mill to remove skins and seeds, returning the smooth pur&# 195;©e to the pan. Keep warm.
-
In a large bowl, combine ground beef, squeezed bread, remaining crushed garlic, cumin, beaten egg, minced parsley, salt, and pepper.
-
Mix thoroughly by hand until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is cohesive but not stiff.
-
Pinch off pieces of meat slightly larger than walnuts and shape them into elongated oval sausages, approximately 1 x 3 inches.
-
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the meatballs lightly on all sides until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
-
Drain fried meatballs on paper towels, or alternatively, arrange them in a baking dish and bake at 375ðF (190ðC) for 20 minutes, turning once halfway through.
-
Gently add the cooked meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce.
-
Simmer gently for 15 minutes, allowing the meatballs to absorb the flavors of the sauce.
-
Serve hot with steamed grains, rice, or fresh vegetables.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 20
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 132.8kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 12.4g20%
- Saturated Fat 7.6g38%
- Cholesterol 32.2mg11%
- Sodium 102.1mg5%
- Total Carbohydrate 5.7g2%
- Dietary Fiber 1.4g6%
- Sugars 4.2g
- Protein 1.2g3%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Sauce Consistency:
Meat Selection:
Bread Soaking:
Storage:
Variations:
