Soutzoukakia smyrneika (ground meat sausages~

Yield: 20 Servings

Ingredients:

4 tb Butter; melted
1 lb Tomatoes; peeled
1 ts Granulated sugar Salt & freshly ground pepper
3 Garlic cloves; crushed
1/4 c Dry white wine
1 sm Bay leaf
1 lb Lean ground beef
2 sl Bread; crusts removed - soaked in water and - squeezed dry
1 ts Ground cumin
1 Egg; lightly beaten
2 ts Parsley; minced
1 ts Salt; (or more to taste)
1 pn Freshly ground pepper

Instructions:

Oil for frying Combine the melted butter tomatoes sugar salt & pepper 1 clove of garlic wine and bay leaf in a saucepan. Simmer for 30 minutes then strain through a fine sieve or food mill. Meanwhile combine the remaining ingredients in a large bowl and knead thoroughly. (The mixture should not be stiff.) Pinch off pieces a little larger than a walnut and shape with the hands into elongated egg shapes about 1 x 3 inches. Fry them lightly on all sides in hot oil and then drain on paper towels or arrange them on a baking dish and bake in a 375 degree oven for 20 minutes turning once. Drop the soutzoukia in sauce and simmer for 15 minutes. Serve with a steaming grain dish and fresh cooked vegetables or salad.