Soutzoukakia (Greek Meatballs in Tomato Sauce)

Ingredients

For the soutzoukakia

• 2 lbs ground beef
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1/4 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup white bread, soaked in the wine
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• flour
• pepper, to taste
• salt, to taste

For the sauce

• 2 cups tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups vegetable stock
• wine (reserved from soaking the bread)
• 1 teaspoon butter
• pepper, to taste
• salt, to taste
• 1 teaspoon cumin seed
• 1/2-1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

1. 1

   For the meatballs, mix the ground beef, garlic, cumin, white wine, bread (squeeze out the wine and reserve to be used in the sauce) and egg.

2. 2

   Season to taste with salt and pepper.

3. 3

   Shape into approximately 30 sausage shaped patties, roll in flour and fry in oil until cooked through.

4. 4

   Remove from pan, set aside on a plate covered with paper towels.

5. 5

   For the sauce, bring the tomatoes stock and butter to a boil.

6. 6

   Add the wine and the seasoning and simmer until sauce beginns to thicken.

7. 7

   When the sauce starts to thicken, add the soutzoukakias and simmer for a further ten minutes.