Greek Soutzoukakia (Greek Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
20 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
50 mins
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Servings
10 -12
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Calories
117 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Greek
Greek Soutzoukakia (Greek Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)
Description
Greek Soutzoukakia blends ground beef with soaked crustless bread to create a tender, flavorful meatball, seasoned with garlic, salt, cumin, black pepper, and bound with egg. After forming into ovals, the meatballs are seared until golden on all sides, which develops a caramelized exterior and seals in juices.
The tomato sauce is simmered with chopped canned tomatoes, salt, sugar, white wine, and water to create a balanced medium-bodied sauce with acidity and mild sweetness. The meatballs finish cooking gently in the sauce, allowing flavors to meld and the meat to become fully tender without drying out.
Soutzoukakia pairs well with starchy sides such as rice or creamy mashed potatoes, which complement the rich tomato sauce. Alternatively, pairing them with Greek salads or pita bread adds freshness and texture contrast to the meal.
Practical serving notes include pairing with customary Greek sides and salads, adapting the sauce seasoning to taste, and ensuring meatballs are cooked through by simmering until tender.
Ingredients
For the meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef lean
- 3 bread thick slices; crust removed
- 3 garlic cloves, pressed
- 2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 egg
- 2 tbsp olive oil
For the tomato sauce
- 400 ml chopped tomatoes canned; finely chopped; polpa
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup white wine
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
Make the meatballs
- Soak the bread slices, crust removed, for 5 minutes.
- Once the bread is soaked, mix with the ground beef, pressed garlic, salt, cumin, pepper and egg. Knead well to combine the mixture. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- After 10 minutes, scoop 2 tablespoons at a time and form into ovals / logs, about 2-3 inches in length.
- Once all meatballs are made, heat 1 tbsp oil in a medium-large skillet over medium heat. When the pan is hot, sear 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove all the meatballs to a paper towel lined plate.
Make the tomato sauce
- Once the meatballs are removed, add tomatoes, sugar, salt and water - cook for 10 minutes on medium-low, keeping at a low simmer.
- Add the wine and let it cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Put the meatballs back in the pan and simmer with the sauce for 10 minutes or until the meatballs are cooked through.
- Serve with rice, mashed potatoes or one of our delicious Greek salads (see below for serving ideas).
Notes
- Serve Soutzoukakia with rice or classic mashed potatoes to soak up the tomato sauce.
- Complement the dish with traditional Greek salads such as Maroulosalata or Greek Cabbage Salad for freshness.
- Fluffy Greek pita bread is also suitable to accompany this meal, providing a soft texture contrast.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 10-12
Amount Per Serving
Calories 117 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 117kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 6.1g | 2% |
| Protein | 10.8g | 22% |
| Fat | 4.5g | 7% |
| Saturated Fat | 1.2g | 6% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5g | 3% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 2.5g | 13% |
| Cholesterol | 41.6mg | 14% |
| Sodium | 744.3mg | 31% |
| Fiber | 0.6g | 2% |
| Sugar | 0.8g | 2% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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