Moroccan Meatball Dish (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Seasoned Meatballs (Kefta)

01 - 1 lb ground beef or ground lamb
02 - 2 grated garlic cloves
03 - ½ tsp ground ginger (optional)
04 - 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
05 - ¼ tsp cinnamon
06 - 2 Tbsp parsley, finely chopped
07 - ½ tsp cumin
08 - 1 small grated onion (about ¼ onion)
09 - 1 tsp paprika
10 - ¼ tsp turmeric
11 - 1 tsp salt
12 - ½ tsp ground pepper
13 - 1 tsp ground coriander

→ Tagine Sauce with Meatballs

14 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
15 - Cayenne pepper (¼ teaspoon)
16 - Salt, as needed
17 - 1½ cups tomatoes, shredded
18 - ½ tsp ground cumin
19 - 1½ tsp paprika
20 - ¼ cup water
21 - 2 Tbsp chopped cilantro
22 - ¼ tsp cinnamon
23 - ¼ tsp turmeric powder
24 - 3 to 4 eggs (optional but suggested)
25 - ¼ tsp fresh grated ginger or dried (optional)
26 - 1 Tbsp tomato paste
27 - 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, minced
28 - Pepper, ½ teaspoon
29 - 1 large diced onion
30 - ¼ tsp cayenne chili powder
31 - 2½ Tbsp olive oil
32 - 1 tsp ground coriander

# Instructions:

01 - Using your hands, gently mix all ingredients for the meatballs in a big mixing bowl. Roll into 1¼ inch-sized balls, then chill in the fridge while you prep the sauce.
02 - Warm olive oil in a skillet or tagine over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and cook until they turn golden, then add garlic and stir for 1 minute.
03 - Stir powdered spices (paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, cumin, cayenne, coriander, ginger) into the cooked onions. Add tomato paste and sauté for a minute while mixing well.
04 - Mix in fresh tomatoes, water, parsley, cilantro, and some salt. Lower the heat and allow it to gently simmer for 25-30 minutes. Stir every so often, and taste to see if more seasoning is needed.
05 - Nestle the meatballs in the simmering sauce, cover with a lid, and let them cook through for 10-15 minutes. Turn them over halfway so they soak in the sauce.
06 - Make a few wells in the sauce and carefully crack an egg into each one. Cover the skillet and leave it for 10-15 minutes, or until the egg whites are firm and yolks are cooked as you like.
07 - Sprinkle parsley or cilantro on top and serve right away with crusty bread or couscous. Try drizzling some olive oil or stirring in green olives, if you like!

# Notes:

01 - Fresh spices and herbs make a big difference in flavor.