Greek Meat Rolls(Souzoukakia)
Souzoukakia are flavorful Greek meat rolls seasoned with cumin and garlic, offering a tender, spiced bite perfect for hearty meals or family gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix ground beef, crumbled bread, chopped onion, pressed garlic, beaten egg, sugar, salt, cumin, black pepper, and cold water until well blended and firm.
- With hands moistened in cold water, shape the mixture into 3-inch long fingerlike rolls using rounded tablespoonfuls.
- Lightly coat the meat rolls with flour.
Tips & Substitutions
For a more flavorful meat roll, consider adding chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill. If you don't have dry white toast, breadcrumbs can be used as a substitute. To enhance the flavor, try adding a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg to the meat mixture. Ensure your hands are moistened to prevent sticking while shaping the rolls.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Greek meat rolls with a side of tzatziki sauce for dipping. They pair beautifully with Mediterranean Stuffed Potatoes(Using A Basic Marinara Sauce) or a fresh Greek salad. For a complete meal, consider serving them over a bed of rice or alongside roasted vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the rolls in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a skillet over medium heat for a few minutes on each side.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Greek Meat Rolls(Souzoukakia) contains roughly 1275 calories, with 46g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 78g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (154% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (102% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 959mg per serving (42% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze the Greek meat rolls?
Yes, you can freeze the meat rolls before cooking them. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze them individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They can be stored for up to 3 months. To cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
What can I use instead of ground beef?
If you're looking for a healthier alternative, ground turkey or chicken can be used instead of ground beef. For a vegetarian option, consider using lentils or a mix of finely chopped vegetables and beans. Adjust the seasonings to suit your chosen protein.
How can I make these meat rolls spicier?
To add some heat to your Greek meat rolls, mix in red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers into the meat mixture. You can also serve them with a spicy dipping sauce or hot sauce on the side to cater to different heat preferences.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).