Greek Souzoukaklia

Ingredients

• 1 lb. ground beef
• 1 lb. ground pork
• 1/4 cup chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 package phyllo dough, thawed
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
2. In a large bowl, combine ground beef, ground pork, onion, garlic, parsley, oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, salt and feta cheese. Mix well to combine.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, for about 10 minutes, or until the beef is cooked through.
4. Remove the beef mixture from the heat and set aside to cool slightly.
5. On a lightly floured surface, roll out the phyllo dough to a 12-inch square. Cut the dough into 4 equal rectangles.
6. Divide the beef mixture evenly among the phyllo rectangles, spreading it in a thin layer on each rectangle.
7. Fold the shorter sides of the rectangles over the beef mixture, and then fold the longer sides of the rectangles over the beef mixture to create a sealed pocket.
8. Brush the tops of the pockets with the melted butter.
9. Place the pockets on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool before serving.

Interesting Facts

• Souzoukaklia is a traditional Greek dish that is usually served as an appetizer.
• It is usually made with ground beef and pork, but can also be made with lamb or veal.
• The dish is often flavored with spices such as oregano, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper.
• Phyllo dough is a thin, flaky pastry dough that is used to wrap the beef mixture to create the souzoukaklia.