SOUTZOUKAKIA (GREEK MEATBALLS IN A TOMATO SAUCE)

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Soutzoukakia (Greek Meatballs in a Tomato Sauce) image

Lovely, delicately seasoned meatballs in a tomato sauce done in the style of the Greeks from Smyrna. This is a warming, hearty dish, great year round, but especially in winter.

Provided by evelynathens

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 20

2 slices thick dense bread (crusts removed)
1/2 cup dry red wine
1 lb ground lean meat (beef or veal)
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 egg
2 tablespoons chopped parsley
2 tablespoons grated kefalograviera cheese (parmesan makes an excellent substitute) or 2 tablespoons mizithra cheese (parmesan makes an excellent substitute)
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
salt and pepper
flour (for dredging)
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 lbs fresh tomatoes
1 tablespoon vinegar
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 bay leaf
3/4 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

Steps:

  • Soak the bread in the wine for about 5 minutes, or until thoroughly softened.
  • Then, squeeze out and reserve the excess wine.
  • In a large bowl, combine the ground meat with the wine soaked bread, onion, garlic, egg, parsley, grated cheese, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Mix the ingredients until thoroughly blended.
  • Cover and chill for 1 to 2 hours.
  • Dampen your hands, pinch off small portions of meat mixture, about the quantity of a teaspoon or just over, and shape into approximately 20 oval rolls (looks sort of like an elongated, slightly flattened, meatball).
  • Dredge them in flour.
  • Heat olive oil in a large frying pan.
  • Add the meatballs and fry until browned all over, turning occasionally and allowing time for the meat to cook thoroughly. (alternatively, if you want a 'lighter' recipe, you could just brown in a non-stick pan or bake them in the oven - not as flavourful, but still good).
  • Remove from the pan using a slotted spoon and set aside.
  • Strain the oil you fried the meatballs in through a fine sieve into a cooking pan.
  • Add all the sauce ingredients, and the reserved wine.
  • Bring to a boil and simmer until the sauce is thick.
  • Drop in the meatballs, stir to cover all over with the sauce, and simmer covered for 15 minutes.
  • Serve hot with rice, french fries, or mashed potatoes.

matthew butterfield
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These soutzoukakia are a great make-ahead meal. I made them on the weekend and then reheated them for dinner during the week.


OGWU OLUCHI
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This recipe is a great way to use up leftover rice. I always have leftover rice in my fridge, so it's nice to have a recipe that I can use it in.


Dani Khan
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I was really impressed with how quickly this recipe came together. I was able to make a delicious meal in under an hour.


Munasar Yasin
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I thought this recipe was really easy to follow. Even though I'm not a very experienced cook, I was able to make these soutzoukakia without any problems.


Raita Rai
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These soutzoukakia were a bit too spicy for my taste. I think I would have liked them better with a milder sauce.


Dora Debra
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I'm not sure what I did wrong, but my soutzoukakia turned out really greasy. I think I might have used too much oil.


Skhddm Zbbd
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Overall, I thought this recipe was just okay. The meatballs were a bit too dense for my liking, and the sauce was a bit too tangy.


Bobby Brown
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The meatballs were a bit dry, but the sauce was delicious. I think I would try cooking the meatballs for a shorter amount of time next time.


Danny Silomba
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These soutzoukakia were a bit bland for my taste. I think I would have liked them better with a more flavorful sauce.


Rob Foy
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I've made this recipe several times and it never disappoints. The meatballs are always cooked perfectly and the sauce is always delicious. It's a great dish to serve for company or just for a weeknight dinner.


thir bikram thapa
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This is my new favorite meatball recipe. The meatballs are so tender and juicy, and the tomato sauce is incredibly flavorful. I highly recommend this recipe.


Deby Lubega
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I made these soutzoukakia for a party and they were a hit! Everyone loved them, and I even got a few requests for the recipe. Thanks for sharing!


Bigboy Rakodi
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This recipe was easy to follow and produced amazing results. The meatballs were perfectly cooked and the sauce was rich and flavorful. I will definitely be making this again!


Rich Scope
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I'm not usually a fan of meatballs, but these soutzoukakia were surprisingly good. The combination of beef and pork made them really moist and flavorful, and the tomato sauce was the perfect complement.


Abu Muhammed Rifat
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These soutzoukakia were absolutely delicious! The meatballs were tender and juicy, and the tomato sauce was flavorful and tangy. I especially liked the addition of the cinnamon and allspice, which gave the dish a unique and authentic Greek flavor.