Description
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Moroccan Meatballs (Meatball Tagine), a dish that beautifully marries spiced meatballs with a rich tomato-based sauce. Each bite bursts with warm spices like cumin and coriander, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Perfect for family dinners or cozy weeknight meals, this recipe is easy to prepare and customizable to suit your taste. Serve it alongside crusty bread, fluffy couscous, or steamed rice to soak up the delicious sauce. With its aromatic blend of herbs and spices, this comforting dish will transport you straight to Morocco!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground lamb or ground beef
- ¼ onion, grated
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp coriander powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ginger powder (optional)
- 2 garlic cloves, grated
- 2½ Tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp turmeric
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp pepper
- ½ tsp cumin
- 1 tsp coriander
- ¼ tsp ginger powder or 1 tsp fresh grated ginger (optional)
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (or to taste)
- Salt to taste
- 1 Tbsp tomato paste
- 1½ cup grated tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 Tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- ¼ cup water
- 3–4 eggs (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the meatballs by mixing all meatball ingredients in a large bowl until just combined. Form into 1¼ inch balls and refrigerate.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté diced onion until golden brown; add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
- Combine powdered spices in a small bowl and add to the skillet. Stir well and incorporate tomato paste.
- Add grated tomatoes and seasonings to create the sauce base; simmer for 25-30 minutes.
- Gently add meatballs to the sauce and simmer for another 10-15 minutes until cooked through.
- Optional: Create wells in the sauce for eggs; cover and cook until whites are set.
- Garnish with herbs before serving warm.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 meatball (approximately 100g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Chill your meat mixture before forming meatballs for better shape retention during cooking. Feel free to adjust spice levels or add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.