Soutzoukakia / Greek Baked Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
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About the dish:
Souzoukakia, also known as Greek meatballs, are a flavorful and aromatic dish made with ground meat and a blend of Mediterranean spices. Souzoukakia are traditionally served with rice, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread. They can also be enjoyed with a side salad or tzatziki sauce for dipping. The combination of cinnamon, cumin, coriander, and oregano gives them a distinct and aromatic taste. Simmering the meatballs in the tomato-based sauce allows them to absorb the flavors and become tender. Here's a recipe to make Souzoukakia:
Recipe:
- In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, breadcrumbs, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Shape the mixture into small elongated meatballs, about 2 inches in length
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the meatballs and brown them on all sides, about 3-4 minutes. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, dried oregano, dried thyme, dried rosemary, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Cook for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Pour in the beef or vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, submerging them in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the meatballs simmer in the sauce for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through
- Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and let the meatballs rest in the sauce for a few minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Serve Souzoukakia hot, either directly from the skillet or transferred to a serving dish. Spoon some of the sauce over the meatballs.