Soutzoukakia Smyrneika are sausage-shaped meatballs that are cooked in a hearty tomato sauce. I like to serve them with creamy mashed potatoes. This classic Greek comfort food can be made ahead and frozen for those busy days and its a recipe that the whole family will love.Buy the Potato Ricer here (affiliate link): https://amzn.to/2QFAalBPrintable Recipe: https://www.dimitrasdishes.com/soutzoukakia-smyrneika-with-the-best-mashed-potatoes-greek-baked-meatballs/Serves 8-10For the Meatballs:2 pounds ground beef (lean or 80/20)2 small onionsA small bunch of fresh parsley washed and dried1 and cups breadcrumbs cup milk2 eggs, lightly beaten2 garlic cloves1 and teaspoons ground cumin1 teaspoon crushed dried oregano1 and teaspoons salt teaspoon black pepper, or to tastePinch of crushed red pepper flakesFor the Tomato Sauce:3-4 tablespoons olive oil1 garlic clove, grated1 (28-ounce) can tomatoes, pureed1 teaspoon granulated sugar1 bay leaf teaspoon ground cuminSalt and pepper to taste1 teaspoon dried crushed oreganoFor the Mashed Potatoes:4 pounds Russet or Gold potatoes or a combination of both1 and cup half and half, heated4 ounces salted butter, melted2 teaspoons roasted garlic pureeSalt and black pepper to tastePreheat the oven to 400 F, 200 C.Make the meatballs:Add the garlic cloves to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped.Remove the leaves from the parsley and add to the food processor and pulse until finely chopped.Peel and quarter the onions and add to the food processor in a few batches and pulse until finely chopped.Add the onion, parsley, and garlic to a large mixing bowl along with all of the remaining meatball ingredients and mix well.Shape the meatballs into balls or sausages and place on a baking tray.Heat some olive oil in a cast-iron skillet and pan-fry the meatballs 3-4 minutes per side until golden. Transfer to a baking dish.Make the sauce:Add the olive oil and garlic to a small saucepan. Heat through for a few seconds and immediately add the pureed tomatoes. Season with salt, pepper, cumin, and sugar. Add the bay leaf and cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes or until thickened. Taste and adjust the seasoning. Add the dried oregano.Assemble the dish:Remove the soutzoukakia from the baking pan and pour the sauce on the bottom. Add the soutzoukakia over the sauce.Bake in a preheated oven on the center rack for about 30 minutes.Make the Mashed Potatoes:While the soutzoukakia are baking make the mashed potatoes. Peel the potatoes and cut them into 2-inch cubes. Add the potatoes to a pot and cover with cold water. Season with a teaspoon of salt. Bring to a boil and cook until fork tender. About 8-10 minutes. Drain the water from the potatoes.Pass the potatoes through a potato ricer into a mixing bowl. Add the hot half and half in a few batches along with the melted butter. Season with salt, pepper, and roasted garlic. Mix well with a wooden spoon or a spatula. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.Serve the meal with a salad and some feta cheese. Enjoy!Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dimitrasdishes Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dimitras.dishes/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/dimitrasdis0637/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/DimitrasDishes Here are links to some of my favorite cooking tools. The links take you to Amazon where I'm proud to be an affiliate partner :) My cutting board: http://amzn.to/2e2p8ED Kitchen Aid Mixer: http://amzn.to/2dQXU0b Food Processor: http://amzn.to/2eXcvZd Microplane: http://amzn.to/2eL2vTo Madeleine Pan: http://amzn.to/2dQU1sm Cheesecake Pan: http://amzn.to/2eXaGeQ Vitamix Blender: http://amzn.to/2eXcvbH Nonstick pan: http://amzn.to/2eL804t Cast iron pan: http://amzn.to/2dQYfjs Pastry Bag: http://amzn.to/2e2v0xD Half sheet baking pans: http://amzn.to/2fcv7cD Thanks for watching! I'd love to see your recreations of these dishes so please share pics with me on social media :) Don't forget to SUBSCRIBE and spread the word so that we can make the world more delicious!
