Greek Meatballs - Soutzoukakia

Unbalanced

% Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet

Step 1

Beat the olive oil and garlic in a food processor.

Step 2

Transfer to a bowl and add the milk, ouzo and the egg.

Step 3

Whisk for 30 seconds to combine well.

Step 4

Add the pieces of bread, cumin, chili flakes and finely chopped mint.

Step 5

It is better to wear disposable gloves when handling the mixture and the raw meat.

Step 6

Mash the mixture together with your hands, until the bread breaks up completely.

Step 7

Add a generous amount of salt and pepper.

Step 8

Add the ground beef and the ground pork. Mix again with your hands until all of the ingredients are completely combined.

Step 9

Shape the mixture in to long oval shapes, which is the traditional shape of these meatballs. They should weigh about 30-50 g each.

Step 10

Add a generous amount of flour to a container. Add the meatballs and dredge them in the flour.

Step 11

Place a nonstick pan over medium to high heat.

Step 12

Add the vegetable oil and let it heat for 1 minute.

Step 13

Shake off excess flour and add the meatballs to the pan one at a time.

Step 14

Brown them on both sides for about 5 minutes total. They will cook further on the stove.

Step 15

When ready, remove from pan and place them on a plate lined with paper towels so they can drain from any excess oil.

Step 16

Set aside until needed.

Step 17

Place a pot over medium heat.

Step 18

Coarsely chop the onion.

Step 19

Add the tablespoon of olive oil to the pot.

Step 20

Add the onion and sugar.

Step 21

Stir and sauté until the onion caramelizes nicely.

Step 22

Then add the tomato paste and sauté for at least 1-2 minutes.

Step 23

Sautéing the tomato paste helps give it a nicer flavor and helps the sauce thicken better.

Step 24

Add the cinnamon, bay leaves, bouillon cube, tomato and water.

Step 25

Stir and add the meatballs.

Step 26

Lower heat, cover pot and simmer for 10 minutes, until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are ready.

Step 27

Serve with basmati rice and finely chopped fresh mint!