Soutzoukakia Smyrneika
Smyrna Meatballs in Tomato Sauce
Soutzoukakia Smyrneika are flavorful, cumin-spiced meatballs originating from Smyrna (modern-day Izmir) in Asia Minor, simmered in a rich tomato and red wine sauce. This dish carries a significant cultural heritage, often associated with Greek refugees from Asia Minor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 600 g Ground beef(80/20 lean-to-fat ratio is ideal for flavor and tenderness.)
- 2 tsp Cumin(Ground cumin. This is the signature spice; adjust slightly to taste if desired.)
- 4 cloves Garlic(Finely minced or grated.)
- 2 slices Bread(Stale white bread (crusts removed) or panko breadcrumbs. Soak in water for 5 minutes, then squeeze out excess moisture.)
- 1 Egg(Optional, but helps bind the meatballs.)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley(Finely chopped. Adds freshness.)
- 1 tsp Salt(Or to taste.)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground, or to taste.)
- 2 tbsp Olive oil(For browning the meatballs.)
- 1 medium Onion(Finely chopped or grated, for the sauce.)
- 500 ml Tomato sauce(Passata or crushed tomatoes.)
- 100 ml Red wine(A dry red wine works best.)
- 200 ml Water or beef broth(To adjust sauce consistency.)
- 1 Bay leaf(Optional, for added aroma.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the meatball mixture: In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, ground cumin, minced garlic, soaked and squeezed bread (or breadcrumbs), chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. If using, add the egg. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the meatballs tough.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Shape the soutzoukakia: Lightly wet your hands to prevent sticking. Take about 1.5 to 2 tablespoons of the meat mixture and roll it between your palms to form elongated, football-like shapes, about 2-3 inches long. Aim for uniform size for even cooking.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 3
Brown the meatballs: Heat the olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, sear the meatballs on all sides until nicely browned. This step adds depth of flavor. Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
⏱️ 10-12 minutes - 4
Start the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. If there's excessive fat in the skillet, carefully drain some off, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce and red wine. Bring to a simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
⏱️ 8-10 minutes - 5
Simmer the soutzoukakia: Return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Add the water or beef broth and the bay leaf (if using). The liquid should come about halfway up the sides of the meatballs. Bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the soutzoukakia simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
⏱️ 25-30 minutes - 6
Finish and serve: Remove the bay leaf. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. The sauce should be slightly thickened. If it's too thin, you can simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Serve the soutzoukakia hot, spooning plenty of the rich tomato sauce over them.
⏱️ 5 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Cumin is the signature flavor of soutzoukakia. Ensure you use good quality ground cumin.
- ✓This dish has roots in the culinary traditions of the Greek communities from Asia Minor (Smyrna).
- ✓Soutzoukakia are traditionally served with fluffy rice pilaf, but they are also excellent with mashed potatoes, crusty bread for dipping, or even pasta.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce.
- Increase the amount of garlic in the meatball mixture or add an extra clove or two to the sauce for a more pronounced garlic flavor.