Soutzoukakia (Spiced Meatballs)

For the Soutzoukakia (Meatballs)

• ½ kg ground beef
• ½ kg ground pork
• 4 cloves grated garlic
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin (spice)
• 2 eggs and breadcrumbs
• 1 cup dry red wine (plus extra for shaping)
• Salt, pepper

For the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
• 1 sweet green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 sweet red pepper, finely chopped
• 1 package (70g) tomato paste
• 2 grated tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground garlic
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• Salt, Pepper
• A little cumin (optional)

For the Soutzoukakia:

1. Place the ingredients for the soutzoukakia in a bowl and mix them together. Shape the soutzoukakia into an oval shape, dipping your hands in the wine in between shaping.
2. Heat a little olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat and fry them for 2-3 minutes.
3. Remove them and set them aside.

For the Sauce:

4. In a pan, add the olive oil and when it heats up, sauté the peppers. Add the tomato paste and stir it on the bottom of the pot to release its aromas.
5. Add the grated tomatoes, ground garlic, sugar, salt, pepper, and a little cumin if desired.
6. When the sauce thickens, add the soutzoukakia and stir so the sauce coats them completely. Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or french fries.