Moroccan Magic: Savory Kefta Meatball and Tomato Tajine Delight

Discover the flavors of Morocco with a savory Kefta Meatball and Tomato Tajine! This dish features ground beef, aromatic spices, tomatoes, and fresh herbs.

Moroccan Magic: Savory Kefta Meatball and Tomato Tajine Delight

Moroccan cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage. One dish that perfectly exemplifies this is the Kefta Meatball and Tomato Tajine, a savory and aromatic delight that combines succulent meatballs with a richly spiced tomato sauce. This comforting dish not only brings the warmth of Morocco into your kitchen but also showcases the art of using a tajine, a traditional North African clay pot, to create dishes with deep, complex flavors. Let's dive into the world of Moroccan magic with this detailed recipe.

Ingredients:

For the Kefta Meatballs:

• 500g ground beef or lamb
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 egg, lightly beaten
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying)

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 800g canned chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 cup water
• Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
• Optional: 2 preserved lemons, cut into quarters

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Kefta Meatballs

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cilantro, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, ginger, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the lightly beaten egg to the mixture and mix everything together using your hands or a spatula until well combined. Be careful not to over-mix, as it can toughen the meatballs.

3. Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a golf ball. You should get around 18-20 meatballs.

4. Heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Fry the meatballs in batches, ensuring they have enough space to cook evenly. Brown them on all sides, about 5-6 minutes. Remove meatballs from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Tomato Sauce

1. In a large tajine or a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.

2. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the onion becomes soft and translucent.

3. Stir in the minced garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute until the spices are fragrant.

4. Add the canned chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and water. Stir to combine all the ingredients thoroughly. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.

Step 3: Assemble and Cook the Tajine

1. Gently place the browned meatballs into the simmering tomato sauce, ensuring they are covered by the sauce.

2. If using preserved lemons, add the quartered lemons into the sauce around the meatballs.

3. Cover the tajine with its lid or use a tightly fitting lid if using a pot. Allow the tajine to simmer gently over low heat for 30-40 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened.

4. Check occasionally to ensure the sauce is not drying out. Add a little more water if necessary.

Step 4: Serve

1. Once cooked, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if necessary.

2. Garnish the finished dish with freshly chopped cilantro.

3. Serve hot, directly from the tajine, accompanied by warm couscous, rice, or crusty bread to mop up the delicious sauce.

Conclusion:

There you have it, a tantalizing journey through the aromatic and flavorful world of Moroccan cuisine with the exquisite Kefta Meatball and Tomato Tajine. This dish is perfect for sharing with family and friends, providing a heartwarming experience that celebrates tradition and taste. By preparing this delightful dish, you not only bring the essence of Morocco into your home but also savor a piece of its culinary magic. Enjoy your meal under a starlit night or a lively dinner table, and let the rich flavors transport you to the bustling markets and serene landscapes of Morocco.