Description
Greek Soutzoukakia are aromatic oblong meatballs simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce. This comforting dish blends bold flavors like cumin, cinnamon, and oregano, and is perfect served over rice, mashed potatoes, or gluten-free pasta. A cozy, hearty favorite straight from the Greek kitchen!
Ingredients
Scale
For the soutzoukakia:
- 1 kg beef mince
- 1 large onion, grated or finely processed
- 7 large garlic cloves, minced or finely processed
- 5 slices gluten-free bread, pulsed into crumbs
- 2 teaspoons dried Greek oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1½ teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup gluten-free plain flour (for coating)
- Olive oil (for frying)
For the sauce:
- 2 (400g) cans crushed tomatoes
- 2 heaped tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons dried Greek oregano
- 2 teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 3 liters boiling water (extra may be needed)
For thickening (optional):
- 1 teaspoon cornflour
- 2 tablespoons ice-cold water
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine beef mince, grated onion, garlic, bread crumbs, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Shape mixture into oblong meatballs. Coat each meatball lightly in gluten-free flour.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry meatballs until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- For the sauce, combine crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano, salt, pepper, and cinnamon in a large pot. Add boiling water gradually, stirring to combine.
- Add meatballs to the sauce and simmer gently for about 45 minutes to 1 hour, adding more water if needed.
- To thicken sauce, mix cornflour with cold water and stir into the sauce. Cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
- Serve hot with your favorite side.
Notes
- For added depth, you can add a splash of red wine to the sauce.
- These meatballs are traditionally shaped into elongated ovals—great for soaking up the sauce.
- You can make the meatballs a day in advance and refrigerate to let the flavors develop.
- Try serving with rice pilaf, mashed potatoes, or gluten-free pasta for a hearty meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. 3-4 meatballs with sauce)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg