Souzoukakia (Greek meatballs in tomato sauce)

souzoukakia_(greek_meatballs_in_tomato_sauce)

Greek cuisine has always been famous for offering a wide variety of delicious and mouth-watering dishes, from appetizers and salads to main courses and desserts. One of the most popular and traditional Greek dishes that has won the hearts of many culinary enthusiasts around the world is Souzoukakia.

Souzoukakia, also known as Greek meatballs in tomato sauce, is a classic Greek recipe that has been enjoyed by Greeks for centuries. This dish is made from ground beef or lamb, onions, breadcrumbs, and a range of herbs and spices, all combined together to make juicy and flavorful meatballs. These meatballs are then slowly simmered in a tangy tomato sauce, giving a thick and luscious flavor to the dish.

The origin of Souzoukakia is quite interesting. It is believed to have been inspired by the Ottoman Empire’s influence on Greek cuisine, particularly the Turkish food called Soujouk. Unlike Soujouk that is made with cured sausage, Souzoukakia is made with freshly minced meat and herbs.

Souzoukakia is a very versatile dish that can be served in various ways. Traditionally, it is served with rice or fries, topped with a generous amount of the flavorful tomato sauce. In some parts of Greece, it’s also served over pasta. Some people prefer it with pita bread, tzatziki and chopped vegetables, while others add a dollop of Greek yogurt as a garnish.

Now let’s dive into the recipe for this tempting and savory Greek dish.

Ingredients:

For the Meatballs:

  • 1 pound of ground beef or lamb
  • 1 large onion, grated
  • 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Tomato Sauce:

  • 1 can of crushed tomatoes
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 2 tbsp. olive oil
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C.

  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg and add the grated onion, breadcrumbs, garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well.

  3. Add the ground beef or lamb and mix until all the ingredients are well combined.

  4. Take a spoonful of the meat mixture and shape it into an oblong meatball, almost like a sausage. Repeat until you have used up all the mixture.

  5. Place the meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, making sure that they are not touching each other.

  6. Bake the meatballs for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

  7. In a separate saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sauté for 2-3 minutes until they become translucent.

  8. Add the garlic and red pepper flakes and sauté for another 1-2 minutes.

  9. Pour in the can of crushed tomatoes and 1/2 cup water.

  10. Stir in the sugar, salt, and black pepper.

  11. Allow the tomato sauce to simmer for 10-15 minutes or until it thickens.

  12. Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce, using a spoon to coat them.

  13. Allow the meatballs to cook in the tomato sauce for another 10-15 minutes.

  14. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top just before serving.

Souzoukakia is a simple yet delicious meal that is both hearty and filling. This dish can be served as a main course or as a side dish, depending on your preference. It’s also perfect for large gatherings, as it can easily be doubled or tripled. So don’t hesitate to try this mouth-watering Greek dish and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

  • 500g ground beef
  • 1 large onion, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 slice of bread, soaked in milk
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper
  • Flour, for dusting
  • Olive oil, for frying

For the tomato sauce:

  • 1 can crushed tomatoes (400g)
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper

Instructions:

  1. In a medium bowl, combine the ground beef, grated onion, minced garlic, soaked bread, egg, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

  2. Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 2-3cm in diameter. Dust each meatball in flour, shaking off any excess.

  3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough olive oil to coat the bottom of the skillet. Once hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet in batches, taking care not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry the meatballs until browned on all sides.

  4. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and place on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

  5. In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until soft and translucent. Add the crushed tomatoes, sugar, oregano, salt and pepper. Mix well and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes.

  6. Add the cooked meatballs to the tomato sauce and gently stir to coat the meatballs with the sauce.

  7. Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes or until the sauce has thickened and the meatballs are cooked through.

  8. Serve hot with rice, potatoes or crusty bread. Enjoy!