Souzikakia (Greek Meatballs)

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Servings: 4 Difficulty: Intermediate
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Savory Greek-style meatballs baked in a rich tomato and cinnamon sauce
Souzikakia (Greek Meatballs recipe image
Souzikakia (Greek Meatballs recipe image
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Souzikakia (Greek Meatballs)

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Servings: 4 Calories: 169.6

Description

These traditional Greek meatballs, known as Souzikakia, are tender, flavorful, and incredibly comforting. Made with ground beef, soaked bread for moisture, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and bay leaves, they simmer in a hearty tomato sauce until perfectly cooked. The combination of savory beef and sweet tomato creates a depth of flavor that is quintessentially Greek. Serve them hot with crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, or alongside a simple green salad. This dish is perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or as a make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350&# 194;°F (175ðC).
  2. Finely mince the onion and garlic.
  3. Tear the bread into small pieces and dampen with a little water or wine until soft.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the hamburger meat, minced onion, garlic, dampened bread, salt, pepper, and a dash of cinnamon. Mix gently until just combined.
  5. Form the mixture into uniform meatballs, about 1.5 inches in diameter.
  6. Lightly roll the meatballs in flour to coat them.
  7. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet or casserole dish over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, working in batches if necessary.
  8. In a bowl, whisk together the tomato sauce, water, bay leaves, and remaining cinnamon.
  9. Pour the tomato sauce mixture over the browned meatballs in the skillet.
  10. Cover the skillet and transfer to the oven. Bake for 45 minutes.
  11. Remove the cover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes to thicken the sauce.
  12. Discard bay leaves before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4

Amount Per Serving
Calories 169.6kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 4.1g7%
Saturated Fat 1.4g7%
Cholesterol 54.5mg19%
Sodium 1482.8mg62%
Total Carbohydrate 2.4g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.2g1%
Sugars 1.8g
Protein 28.5g57%

* 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

For a richer flavor, substitute some of the water with red wine when dampening the bread and in the sauce.

These meatballs can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the oven.

Serve with crusty Greek bread, rice, or potatoes to soak up the delicious sauce.

If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer uncovered for a longer period before serving.

Keywords: greek, meatballs, beef, tomato sauce, cinnamon, baked, comfort food, dinner, easy, traditional, homemade, hearty, saucy, one-pot, family meal, spiced, garlic, onion, bread crumbs, souzikakia
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