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Soutzoukakia - An Easy Dinner?

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nadellii

nadellii

Active member
I’ve been thinking about trying my hand at making soutzoukakia (those delicious Greek meatballs in tomato sauce), and I’m wondering—would you consider it an easy dinner to make on a weeknight?

From what I’ve read, the meat mixture is flavored with garlic, cumin, and sometimes cinnamon, then seared and simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Some recipes call for baking, others for pan-frying or simmering directly in the sauce. I’ve also seen versions with wine or bay leaves added for extra flavor.

I’d love to hear how you make yours—do you prep anything in advance to save time? Do you serve it with rice, potatoes, or just bread? Any shortcuts or tricks that make it faster but still flavorful?

I’m aiming for something comforting but not too labor-intensive for a busy evening, and soutzoukakia seems like a good option. What do you think?
 
Soutzoukakia can definitely be a weeknight dinner if you prep smart! I often mix the meat ahead of time (morning or even the night before) so the flavors deepen and I’m not starting from scratch after work. I prefer pan-searing them quickly for that nice crust, then simmering in a simple tomato sauce with garlic, cumin, a splash of red wine, and bay leaf. I skip the cinnamon on weeknights to keep it simpler.

For sides, I usually go with rice or mashed potatoes—something that soaks up that amazing sauce. A warm crusty bread works too if you’re in a rush. One trick: use canned crushed tomatoes and add a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.

The smell alone makes it feel like you did more work than you did. Comforting, flavorful, and easier than it looks. It's a great choice for dinner!
 
I made soutzoukakia last weekend and ended up with way more sauce than needed, so I froze it and used it later with pasta—turned out great. While it simmered, I looked for a chill place and found the best cocktail bar near me, which was perfect for relaxing after cooking. Stuff like this makes dinner feel like less of a chore and more of a whole evening plan.
 
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