Soutzoukakia of Thessaloniki

Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1/2 pound ground pork
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 egg
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Olive oil for frying

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste

(Approximate total kcal: 350 per serving)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare Meat Mixture In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, breadcrumbs, chopped onion, minced garlic, egg, cumin, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well until ingredients are evenly incorporated.

Step 2: Shape Soutzoukakia Take portions of the meat mixture and shape them into oblong meatballs, about 2 inches in length. Arrange them on a plate.

Step 3: Heat Olive Oil In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the soutzoukakia and brown on all sides.

Step 4: Prepare Tomato Sauce In a separate bowl, mix crushed tomatoes, red wine vinegar, tomato paste, sugar, salt, and pepper to create the tomato sauce.

Step 5: Simmer in Tomato Sauce Pour the tomato sauce over the browned soutzoukakia in the skillet. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Step 6: Serve Warm Once cooked through and the sauce has thickened, serve the soutzoukakia hot. They pair wonderfully with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.

Savor the rich history and flavors of Thessaloniki with these delightful Soutzoukakia—a dish that brings the heart of Greek cuisine to your table. Enjoy the culinary journey!