Name: Spicy Moroccan Meatballs
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Yield: 5
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 1 lb (453.6 g) ground beef; 3 to 4 eggs (optional but highly recommended); 2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped; 2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped; 1 tsp paprika; 1.5 tsp paprika; 0.5 tsp cumin powder; 0.5 tsp cumin; 1 tsp coriander powder; 1 tsp coriander; 1 tsp salt; 0.5 tsp pepper; 0.5 tsp pepper; 0.25 tsp turmeric; 0.25 tsp turmeric; 0.25 tsp cinnamon; 0.25 tsp cinnamon; 0.5 tsp ginger powder (optional); 0.25 tsp ginger powder or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional); 0.25 tsp cayenne; 0.25 onion, grated; 1 large onion, diced; 2 garlic cloves, grated; 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped; 1 tbsp tomato paste; 1.5 cups grated tomatoes; 0.25 cup water; 2.5 tbsps olive oil

Description

Spicy moroccan meatballs combine rich North African spices with tender lamb simmered in a robust tomato sauce. Hearty flavors meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each delectable bite of this traditional Moroccan comfort dish.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb (453.6 g) ground beef
3 to 4 eggs (optional but highly recommended)
2 tbsps fresh parsley, chopped
2 tbsps fresh cilantro, chopped
1 tsp paprika
1.5 tsp paprika
0.5 tsp cumin powder
0.5 tsp cumin
1 tsp coriander powder
1 tsp coriander
1 tsp salt
0.5 tsp pepper
0.5 tsp pepper
0.25 tsp turmeric
0.25 tsp turmeric
0.25 tsp cinnamon
0.25 tsp cinnamon
0.5 tsp ginger powder (optional)
0.25 tsp ginger powder or 1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger (optional)
0.25 tsp cayenne
0.25 onion, grated
1 large onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, grated
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 tbsp tomato paste
1.5 cups grated tomatoes
0.25 cup water
2.5 tbsps olive oil

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Instructions

Meatball Preparation: Delicately mix ground meat with aromatic herbs and spices, forming compact spheres about 1¼ inches wide. Refrigerate while preparing the sauce to maintain structural integrity and flavor concentration.
Sauce Foundation: Caramelize onions in olive oil until golden, then introduce minced garlic. Develop a complex spice profile by blending paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper, cumin, coriander, cayenne, and ginger powder. Incorporate tomato paste and cook briefly to activate aromatics.
Liquid Development: Merge grated tomatoes, chopped cilantro, and parsley into the spice mixture. Allow sauce to simmer and reduce for 25-30 minutes, concentrating flavors and creating a rich, robust base. Periodically adjust seasoning and consistency.
Meatball Integration: Gently nestle prepared meatballs into the simmering sauce, ensuring complete coating. Cover and cook for 10-15 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee even cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
Egg Embellishment: Create strategic wells between meatballs and crack eggs directly into these spaces. Cover and cook until egg whites set and yolks reach desired consistency, typically maintaining a slight runniness.
Final Presentation: Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately. Complement with warm crusty bread, couscous, or rice. Optional enhancements include a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a scattering of green olives for added depth.

Notes

Meat Texture Tip: Handle ground meat minimally to prevent tough, dense meatballs; light touch ensures tender, delicate texture.
Spice Layering Strategy: Toast spices briefly to awaken dormant flavors and create deeper, more complex taste profile before adding to sauce.
Egg Placement Technique: Create deliberate spacing between meatballs for precise egg placement, allowing each egg to cook evenly without merging.
Flavor Development Secret: Allow sauce to simmer slowly, concentrating flavors and transforming simple ingredients into a rich, aromatic masterpiece.

Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 45min
Category: Dinner, Appetizer
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: Moroccan

Nutrition

Serving Size: 5
Calories: 380
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 26g
Cholesterol: 150mg