Moroccan Meatballs Couscous

Transport your taste buds to the bustling markets of Marrakech with this flavorful Moroccan Meatballs Couscous recipe. Juicy, spice-infused meatballs made with ground beef or lamb are simmered in a fragrant harissa-spiked tomato sauce, delivering layers of warmth and complexity. Paired with fluffy couscous studded with sweet raisins and zesty lemon, this dish strikes a perfect balance of savory and sweet. A sprinkling of toasted almonds adds a delightful crunch, while fresh herbs bring vibrant color and flavor. Ready in under an hour, this easy-to-make one-pan meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests with its exotic flair. Serve with a dollop of creamy yogurt and a squeeze of fresh lemon for a meal that’s as comforting as it is captivating.

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:50 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 500 grams ground beef or lamb
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 400 grams canned diced tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon harissa paste
• 250 grams couscous
• 300 milliliters chicken or vegetable stock, hot
• 50 grams raisins
• 30 grams sliced almonds, toasted
• 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
• 0 optional: yogurt for serving

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, half of the chopped onion, 1 clove of minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and black pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 2

Roll the mixture into small, even-sized meatballs (approximately 1 inch in diameter) and set aside.

Step 3

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the remaining chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.

Step 4

Stir in the canned diced tomatoes, turmeric, harissa paste, and 1 teaspoon of ground cumin. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes.

Step 5

Carefully add the meatballs to the tomato sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, turning the meatballs occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 6

Meanwhile, prepare the couscous. In a heatproof bowl, combine the couscous, raisins, and a pinch of salt. Pour the hot chicken or vegetable stock over the couscous, cover with a plate, and let sit for 5-7 minutes until the liquid is absorbed.

Step 7

Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in the lemon zest, half of the lemon juice, and the remaining olive oil.

Step 8

Toast the sliced almonds in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until golden and aromatic.

Step 9

To serve, plate the couscous and top it with the meatballs and sauce. Sprinkle with toasted almonds and additional chopped parsley or cilantro. Serve with a dollop of yogurt and lemon wedges on the side, if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1935.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2549.4

Total Fat 164.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 51.0g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 6.3g
Cholesterol 418.0mg	0%
Sodium 5114.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 158.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.9g	0%
Total Sugars 64.0g
Protein 118.7g	0%

Vitamin D 80IU	0%
Calcium 714.3mg	0%
Iron 26.0mg	0%
Potassium 3814.7mg	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: 57.1%

Protein: 18.3%

Carbs: 24.5%