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Traditional Soutzoukakia, a gem in the treasure trove of Greek cuisine, brings the rich, aromatic flavors of cumin and cinnamon together in tender, juicy meatballs, all drenched in a deeply savory tomato sauce. This dish is a testament to the simplicity of ingredients coming together to create a comforting, heartwarming meal that speaks of home and tradition.
Ingredients:
-For the Soutzoukakia:
800g ground beef (28 ounces)
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 eggs
2 teaspoons of ground cumin (3–4 teaspoons for a stronger flavor)
1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon
1/4 cup of olive oil
5 slices of stale bread soaked in beef broth and squeezed dry or 1 cup of breadcrumbs
Salt and freshly ground pepper
-For the Tomato Sauce:
3 cups tomato juice (passata) or tinned chopped tomatoes (800g or 28 oz)
1 onion, grated
1 cup beef broth
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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Directions:
Prep the Meatballs: Knead all the meatball ingredients together in a large bowl. Once thoroughly mixed, cover the bowl and chill the mixture in the fridge for 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld and the mixture to firm up.
Shape the Meatballs: After chilling, take the meatball mixture and form it into oblong shapes, each weighing about 70g/2.4oz. You can either bake these in an oven preheated to 200°C (390°F) until they turn golden brown, or you can choose to fry them gently in a pan until cooked through.
Prepare the Tomato Sauce: In a large saucepan, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add the grated onion and sauté until it becomes translucent. Stir in the tomato paste, cumin, salt, and pepper, and cook for another 2 minutes to allow the flavors to develop. Add the minced garlic and cook for 3-4 more minutes, being careful not to let it burn. Pour in the beef broth, tomato juice or chopped tomatoes, sugar, and add the bay leaf. Let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to your liking.
Combine: Once the sauce is ready, gently place the cooked meatballs into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 30 minutes. This will allow the meatballs to soak up some of the flavors from the sauce. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Serve the soutzoukakia hot, accompanied by rice or mashed potatoes as a side. This hearty dish is perfect for a comforting meal.
Preparation Time: 70 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes | Servings: 6
Enjoy your delicious soutzoukakia!
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