Main course 🇬🇷 Greek

Soutzoukakia Smyrneika

Oval cumin-spiced meatballs simmered in a rich red wine and tomato sauce. A true Greek taverna favourite.

Rate this recipe Be the first to rate it
  • Time1 hr
  • LevelMedium
  • Costabout £1.31 a head

Cost is worked out from Aldi and Tesco shelf prices in October 2026. Your shop and brands will differ.

4 servings

Ingredients

Tick what you need to buy. It goes on your shopping list.

Method

  1. 1

    Mix the mince, half the onion, half the garlic, bread, cumin, oregano, wine and 1 teaspoon of salt. Knead well for 2 minutes.

  2. 2

    Shape into 12 long, oval sausages. Chill for 20 minutes.

    20 min
  3. 3

    Heat the oil and brown the meatballs for 5 minutes, turning. Lift out onto a plate.

    5 min
  4. 4

    In the same pan soften the remaining onion and garlic for 4 minutes. Add the tomatoes, purée, cinnamon, sugar and 150ml water.

    4 min
  5. 5

    Return the meatballs to the sauce and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes. Remove the cinnamon and serve with rice or chips.

    25 min

Double check before you cook. Recipes can contain mistakes. Any diet labels come from the ingredients as written in this recipe and are a guide, not a guarantee. Always check every ingredient and the packet label for allergens and cross contamination, and ask your doctor or dietitian what is right for you, especially with coeliac disease, diabetes or a serious allergy. This is not medical advice.

More Greek recipes

See all Greek recipes

More main course