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Moroccan meatballs are ready to serve in a serving bowl.

Moroccan Meatballs

Tressa Jamil
Moroccan meatballs or kefta tagine are warmly spiced meatballs simmered in a tomato-based sauce with onion, garlic, ginger, and sweet dates. 
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine African
Servings 20 Meatballs
Calories 108 kcal
Equipment
Ingredients
  
For the Meatballs:
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon green cardamom, green shell removed, and ground
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, coarse ground
  • 1 egg
  • ¼ cup olive oil
For the Sauce:
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ inch fresh ginger, minced
  • 3-4 medium tomatoes, pureed
  • 4 dates, pit removed, and diced
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • fresh parsley, chopped, to garnish
  • fresh mint, chopped, to garnish
Instructions
 
  • Combine ground beef, cardamom, ground coriander, ground cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and egg in a mixing bowl; knead for 3 minutes.
  • Roll the mixture into 1- 1½ inch meatballs and set them aside.
  • Warm a skillet over medium heat and add oil. Then, add the first layer of meatballs. Cook for 3-5 minutes, rotating them often to get a nice sear on all sides. Set the partially cooked meatballs aside and repeat with the remaining ingredients.
  • In the same pan, saute the onions until they become translucent and soften, for about 10 minutes.
  • Stir in the garlic and ginger, followed by the pureed tomatoes and dates. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  • Return the meatballs to the pan along with the chicken broth.
  • Simmer over medium-low heat for 8-10 minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint and serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition Disclosure:
  • The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 Meatball | Calories: 108 kcal | Carbohydrates: 5 g | Protein: 5 g | Fat: 8 g | Sodium: 135 mg | Fiber: 1 g | Sugar: 4 g
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