Mohammed's Tagine Kefta

Embark on a flavorful journey with Mohammed's Tagine Kefta, a traditional Moroccan dish that's as vibrant as it is comforting. This recipe features tender, spiced meatballs crafted from ground lamb or beef, blended with aromatic herbs like fresh parsley and cilantro, and infused with warm spices including cumin, paprika, and a hint of cinnamon. Nestled in a rich, slow-simmered tomato sauce, these juicy kefta are optionally topped with poached eggs for an extra layer of indulgence. Serve this crowd-pleasing dish with warm crusty bread or fluffy couscous to soak up every drop of the luscious sauce. With just 20 minutes of prep time and the use of a tagine or skillet for easy cooking, this exotic meal transforms simple ingredients into a masterpiece that deserves the spotlight on your dinner table. Perfect for anyone craving a taste of Morocco!

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground lamb or beef
• 1 medium (finely grated) onion
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 2 tablespoons (finely chopped) fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons (finely chopped) fresh cilantro
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 large (peeled and pureed) ripe tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 200 milliliters water
• 2 large (optional, for poaching) eggs
• 0.5 teaspoon (optional) chili flakes

Directions

Step 1

1. In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb or beef, grated onion, 1 minced garlic clove, parsley, cilantro, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until the mixture is well combined.

Step 2

2. Shape the mixture into small bite-sized meatballs, roughly 2-3 centimeters in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.

Step 3

3. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a tagine or a deep skillet over medium heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, but not browned.

Step 4

4. Stir in the pureed tomatoes, tomato paste, water, and chili flakes (if using). Allow the sauce to come to a gentle simmer. Season with a pinch of salt to taste.

Step 5

5. Carefully add the meatballs to the simmering tomato sauce, arranging them in a single layer. Cover the tagine or skillet with a lid, reduce the heat to low, and let the meatballs cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 6

6. If using eggs, carefully crack them over the cooked meatballs during the last 5 minutes of cooking. Cover and allow the eggs to poach gently until the whites are set but the yolks remain slightly runny.

Step 7

7. Garnish with additional chopped parsley or cilantro before serving. Serve hot with warm crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy couscous.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1784.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1928.1

Total Fat 141.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 47.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 772mg	0%
Sodium 2940.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 61.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 16.2g	0%
Total Sugars 31.2g
Protein 110.4g	0%

Vitamin D 82IU	0%
Calcium 341.4mg	0%
Iron 18.4mg	0%
Potassium 4060.3mg	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: 65.0%

Protein: 22.5%

Carbs: 12.5%