"Suzukakia" from Thessaloniki -Halkitiki
Thessaloniki is known as the "the city that never sleeps". In the heart of the entertainment area called “Ladadika” you will taste unforgettable delicacies such as Suzukakia in onion sauce. Every tavern serves their version. It is a dish that has its roots in the "City" -Istanbul and was brought to mainland Greece by the Greek refugees from Turkey. It is just spicy enough, and so aromatic that it brings to mind images and smells of a spice market. You enjoy the suzukakia accompanied with either fried potatoes, rice or pasta, along with a glass of Greek retsina wine.
Recipe ingredients
- 500gr. ground beef
- 500gr. ground pork
- 1 egg
- 1 onion, large, finely chopped
- 1 ½ cup. breadcrumbs or 2 slices of bread soaked, well drained and crumbed
- 1 tsp. oregano
- 1 pinch of cumin
- 1 pinch of curry
- 1 clove of crushed garlic
- 2 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. salt
- 1 tsp. pepper
- olive oil
For the sauce
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 3 large sliced onions
- 2 large ripe tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp. tomato puree
- 1 clove of garlic
- 1 tbsp oregano
- salt
- pepper
1. Add all the ingredients to the ground meats in a bowl.
2. Knead well for several minutes so that the mixture becomes uniform and all the ingredients come together.
3. Allow the mixture to rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
4. Preheat your oven to 200 ° C.
5. With wet hands, shape the mixture in round balls evenly sized. This way they will be cooked evenly.
6. In an oiled pan bake the souzukakia in the oven at 180 ° C.
7. Meanwhile, we make the sauce. Sauté the onions in olive oil and when they are translucent, add the chopped tomato and the pulp dissolved in water.
8. Season with oregano, salt and pepper and simmer for 5 minutes
9. When our soutzoukaki turn brown, turn them over and add the onion mixture. Bake for about another 20 minutes.
10. Serve with mashed potatoes or pilaf.