Soutzoukakia Smyrneika (Ground Meat Sausages, Smyrna Style)
Description
Soutzoukakia Smyrneika is a classic Greek dish featuring tender, spiced ground meat sausages gently simmered in a savory tomato sauce. The sausages are made with lean beef, fresh parsley, garlic, and soaked bread for a moist, delicate texture that holds together perfectly. The sauce, built with peeled tomatoes, dry white wine, and a hint of sweetness, offers a bright, tangy counterpoint to the rich meat. This comforting meal is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, served traditionally with rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful juices.Directions
-
Soak the bread slices in water, then squeeze out excess moisture and crumble into a large bowl.
-
Add the ground beef, beaten egg, 2 cloves of crushed garlic, minced parsley, salt, pepper, and cumin to the bread.
-
Mix and knead the ingredients thoroughly until well combined and the mixture is cohesive but not stiff.
-
Pinch off pieces of the meat mixture slightly larger than a walnut and shape them into elongated oval sausages, approximately 1 x 3 inches.
-
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and lightly fry the sausages on all sides until golden brown.
-
Remove sausages and drain on paper towels, or arrange them in a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes, turning once.
-
In a saucepan, combine melted butter, peeled tomatoes, sugar, salt, pepper, remaining garlic clove, white wine, and bay leaf.
-
Simmer the sauce for 30 minutes, then strain through a fine sieve or food mill to remove skins and seeds.
-
Return the strained sauce to the pot and add the cooked sausages.
-
Simmer the sausages in the sauce for 15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
-
Serve hot with steamed rice, grains, or crusty bread.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 12 servings
- 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.
Greek, Soutzoukakia, meatballs, tomato sauce, beef, cumin, parsley, garlic, white wine, Smyrna, sausages, dinner, traditional, savory, comfort food, bread crumbs, egg