Name: Traditional Soutzoukakia recipe (Greek baked Meatballs in tomato sauce)
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 800g ground beef (28 ounces); 4 cloves of garlic, minced; 2 eggs; 2 teaspoon of ground cumin (if you are a fan of cumin, try 3-4 teaspoons); 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon; 1/4 cup of olive oil; 5 slices of stale bread soaked in red wine and squeezed dry or 1 cup of breadcrumbs; salt and freshly ground pepper; 3 cups tomato juice (passata) or tinned chopped tomatoes (800g or 28 oz); 1 onion, grated; 1 cup red wine; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp tomato paste; olive oil; 1 tsp sugar; salt and freshly ground black pepper; 2 tsps cumin; 1 bay leaf

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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 or modern day Izmir. This is a hearty Greek dish, perfect for a big family meal!

Which spices to use in Soutzoukakia Smyrneika?

The secret ingredient that makes these meatballs (soutzoukakia) unique is nothing else than cumin. Cumin is a very fragrant spice that will soak through the meat and infuse it with its unique aromas. But be careful to use in moderation as it can be a little overpowering!

Traditionally soutzoukakia are made with beef mince. If you’d like them to be on the healthier side you can use lean/low fat beef. If you prefer you can also use a combination of beef and pork mince.

How to make this Traditional Soutzoukakia recipe?

Soutzoukakia are prepared in three stages. The first step is to prepare your soutzoukakia meatballs mixture. Start by placing all the ingredients for the soutzoukakia meatball mixture in a large bowl. Knead them with your fingers until all the ingredients are combined and evenly spread throughout the mixture. Finally place the mixture in the fridge for about 1 hour in order for the spices to soak through the meat!

Now its time to shape your soutzoukakia. Grab a fistful of the mixture and shape using the palm of your hands into oblong meatballs. If you want to be precise get your scale out! Each Soutzoukakia meatball should weigh approximately 70 grams (2.4 oz).

You can cook your soutzoukakia in one of two ways. You can go traditional and shallow fry them or go healthy and bake them. I personally prefer to bake them as they turn out lighter, less fatty and with less calories without compromising on the taste!

Preparing the Soutzoukakia Sauce

The second step is to prepare your soutzoukakia tomato sauce. While the Soutzoukakia are baking, pour some oil into a deep frying pan and heat it up.

Tip: use a pan that comes with a lid! You’ll thank me later when there is less tomato splatter in the kitchen to clean!

Start by frying your onions until translucent then stir in add the tomato paste, cumin and a bit of salt and pepper. Continue to fry until the aromas from the spices start coming through. Finally add the garlic and fry for a few more minutes. This pre-cooks the aromatic spices and releases all their hidden flavours and aromas.

Pour in your wine to deglaze the pan and let it simmer for a bit until the alcohol has evaporated. Add the remaining tomato sauce ingredients, cover with the lid and let it simmer over low heat until it just starts to thicken.

Its now time to bring the Soutzoukakia and the sauce together! Using a tong, gently place each Soutzoukakia meatball in the sauce and stir using a spatula until the sauce has covered them fully. Turn the heat down to low, cover with the lid and let it simmer for about 30 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Taste your sauce and add salt and pepper to suit your taste!

Tip: Remember to stir it occasionally and if it looks too dry add half a cup of water and stir. You don’t want them to burn!

What to serve your delicious Soutzoukakia with?

Soutzoukakia can be served with basmati rice, mashed potatoes, fries and Greek salad. Also don’t forget your extra crusty bread!

Love meatballs? Then these delicious meatball recipes are made for you!