Chicken or Turkey Meatballs Moroccan Style

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Morocco with these Chicken or Turkey Meatballs Moroccan Style. Perfectly seasoned with a fragrant blend of cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and optional ras el hanout, these tender meatballs are cooked to golden perfection and then simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce enhanced with just a touch of honey for a subtle sweetness. Fresh herbs like parsley and cilantro elevate each bite, creating a harmonious balance of bold and fresh flavors. This quick yet exotic recipe is ready in under an hour and serves as a delightful centerpiece when paired with fluffy couscous, warm flatbread, or steamed rice. Whether you're looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests, these Moroccan-style meatballs are sure to become a new favorite!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams Ground chicken or turkey
• 60 grams Breadcrumbs
• 1 large Egg
• 2 tablespoons Fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 tablespoons Fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons Ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon Ground coriander
• 0.25 teaspoons Ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 400 grams Diced tomatoes (canned or fresh)
• 240 milliliters Chicken stock
• 1 teaspoon Honey
• 1 teaspoon Ras el hanout (Moroccan spice blend, optional)

Directions

Step 1

In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground chicken or turkey, breadcrumbs, egg, parsley, cilantro, garlic, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.

Step 2

Using your hands or a small scoop, form the mixture into meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. Set the meatballs aside on a plate.

Step 3

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 4-5 minutes, turning occasionally, until browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

In the same pan, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and slightly golden.

Step 5

Stir in the diced tomatoes, chicken stock, honey, and ras el hanout (if using). Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

Carefully return the meatballs to the pan, spooning the sauce over them. Cover the pan and simmer over low heat for 15-20 minutes, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

Step 7

Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.

Step 8

Serve the meatballs hot, garnished with extra chopped parsley or cilantro. Enjoy with couscous, rice, or flatbread.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1432.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1666.8

Total Fat 89.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 19.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 4.6g
Cholesterol 658.9mg	0%
Sodium 3941.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 91.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 11.9g	0%
Total Sugars 29.0g
Protein 131.4g	0%

Vitamin D 53.8IU	0%
Calcium 301.1mg	0%
Iron 16.0mg	0%
Potassium 2315.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 47.4%

Protein: 31.0%

Carbs: 21.6%