Name: Moroccan Meatballs (Kefta Mkaoura)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef or lamb (80/20); 1 medium yellow onion, grated; 3 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped; 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped; 1 tablespoon Moroccan Spice Blend; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 28 ounce crushed tomatoes or passata; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1 medium yellow onion, chopped; 1 green bell pepper, chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Moroccan Spice Blend; 1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne; 3 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped; 3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped; 12 marinated olives; 4 eggs; Moroccan couscous (for serving)

Description

Moroccan Meatballs (Kefta Mkaoura) are flavorful spiced meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, garnished with marinated olives and eggs, traditionally served with Moroccan couscous for a hearty and aromatic meal.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 lb ground beef or lamb (80/20)
1 medium yellow onion, grated
3 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon Moroccan Spice Blend
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
28 ounce crushed tomatoes or passata
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Moroccan Spice Blend
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne
3 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped
3 tablespoons cilantro, chopped
12 marinated olives
4 eggs
Moroccan couscous (for serving)

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Instructions

In a large bowl, combine ground beef or lamb, grated onion, parsley, cilantro, Moroccan spice blend, and red pepper flakes. Mix well and form into small meatballs.
Heat 3 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté until softened.
Add crushed tomatoes, Moroccan spice blend, ground cayenne, parsley, and cilantro to the skillet. Stir and simmer for 10 minutes.
Carefully add the meatballs to the tomato sauce, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes until meatballs are cooked through.
In the last 5 minutes of cooking, gently crack the eggs into the sauce to poach.
Serve the meatballs and sauce over Moroccan couscous, garnished with marinated olives.

Notes

Note 1: Grating the onion into the meatballs helps them stay moist and tender.
Note 2: Moroccan Spice Blend typically includes cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, and turmeric.
Note 3: Adjust ground cayenne according to your spice tolerance.
Use fresh herbs for best flavor.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 580mg
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 120mg