Moroccan meatballs

Discover the exotic flavors of Moroccan cuisine with this delicious Moroccan Meatballs recipe. Made with succulent ground beef, fragrant spices like cumin and coriander, and a touch of sweet honey, these meatballs are simmered in a rich tomato sauce with a hint of cinnamon. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds!

  • 25 Apr 2025
  • Cook time 25 min
  • Prep time 10 min
  • 4 Servings
  • 13 Ingredients

Moroccan meatballs

Moroccan meatballs are a delightful fusion of spices and hearty ingredients, creating a flavorful and aromatic dish. Perfect for any meal, these meatballs combine ground beef with a blend of spices such as cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. This recipe will guide you through the steps to create these delicious meatballs, bringing the exotic flavors of Morocco to your kitchen.

Ingredients:

18 oz ground beef (80/20%)
510g
1/3 cup bread crumbs
30g
2 tsp coriander leaves
6g
1 tsp ground cumin
3g
1 tsp paprika
5g
1 tsp dried coriander
5g
1 tbsp olive oil
14g
1 red onion
160g
2 garlic cloves
6g
1 can canned tomatoes
400g
1/2 cup water
120g
1 cinnamon stick
3g
1 tsp honey
3g

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat Mixture:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the ground beef, bread crumbs, chopped coriander leaves, ground cumin, paprika, and dried coriander.
- Mix well until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized meatballs.
2. Cook the Meatballs:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches.
- Brown the meatballs on all sides, turning them carefully. This should take about 5-7 minutes. They do not need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
- Remove the browned meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the finely chopped red onion and minced garlic.
- Sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Add the canned tomatoes, water, cinnamon stick, and honey to the skillet.
- Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Simmer the Meatballs:
- Return the browned meatballs to the skillet with the sauce.
- Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
- Simmer the meatballs in the sauce for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.
5. Serve:
- Remove the cinnamon stick from the sauce before serving.
- Serve the Moroccan meatballs hot, garnished with extra chopped coriander leaves if desired.

Tips:

- Use fresh coriander leaves for enhanced flavor, but if you don't have them, dried coriander will also work.

- Make sure to finely chop the red onion and garlic cloves to ensure they evenly mix into the meatball mixture.

- If the meatball mixture feels too wet, add a bit more bread crumbs to bind it together.

- Brown the meatballs in a hot pan before simmering them in the sauce to lock in the juices and add extra flavor.

- Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for at least 30 minutes to fully develop the flavors.

- Serve the Moroccan meatballs over couscous or with warm flatbread to soak up the delicious sauce.

- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the meatball mixture or the sauce.

Congratulations on cooking Moroccan meatballs! You've created a dish that's packed with robust flavors and rich aromas characteristic of Moroccan cuisine. Whether enjoyed on their own or served with a side, these meatballs are sure to be a hit at your table. Don't forget to pair them with couscous or flatbread to make the meal even more satisfying. Enjoy your culinary journey through Morocco!

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size320 grams
Energy
Calories 400kcal20%
Protein
Protein 24g17%
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates 16g5%
Fiber 4.24g11%
Sugar 6g6%
Fat
Fat 30g35%
Saturated 10g34%
Cholesterol 90mg-
Vitamins
Vitamin A 63ug7%
Choline 88mg15%
Vitamin B1 0.75mg62%
Vitamin B2 0.33mg25%
Vitamin B3 7mg44%
Vitamin B6 0.64mg38%
Vitamin B9 36ug9%
Vitamin B12 2.76ug115%
Vitamin C 24mg26%
Vitamin E 1.28mg9%
Vitamin K 27ug24%
Minerals
Calcium, Ca 120mg9%
Copper, Cu 0.22mg25%
Iron, Fe 4.91mg45%
Magnesium, Mg 55mg13%
Phosphorus, P 260mg21%
Potassium, K 740mg22%
Selenium, Se 22ug41%
Sodium, Na 260mg17%
Zinc, Zn 6mg53%
Water
Water 240g-
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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