Greek Meatballs in Tomato Sauce (Soutzoukakia)

Soutzoukakia are delicious, savory Greek meatballs with a rich tomato sauce. 

Made from a blend of ground veal and pork, these tender meatballs are seasoned with garlic, onion, cumin, and (optionally) cinnamon, offering a perfect balance of savory and aromatic flavors. 

They’re typically served with rice or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.

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Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 500g ground veal
• 500g ground pork
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil (for frying)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 400g canned crushed tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1.      Prepare the Meatballs: In a bowl, mix ground veal, pork, onion, garlic, egg, breadcrumbs, parsley, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Shape into oval meatballs (about 5 cm long).
2.      Fry the Meatballs: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs until browned on all sides. You can use an air fryer instead. Set aside.
3.      Make the Sauce: In the same pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add crushed tomatoes, oregano, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
4.      Simmer the Meatballs: Place the meatballs in the sauce, ensuring they are covered. Simmer on low for 15 minutes, spooning sauce over them occasionally.
5.      Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm with rice, crusty bread, or salad. Enjoy!

Serving Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, bake the meatballs instead of frying them. Add a pinch of smoked paprika for an extra depth of flavor. Pair with mashed potatoes or Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast.

Enjoy!