Authentic Moroccan Kefta Tagine with Spiced Meatballs and Eggs
Authentic Moroccan Kefta Tagine with Spiced Meatballs and EggsIntroduction
Indulge in the vibrant flavors of Morocco with this tantalizing kefta tagine, a traditional dish featuring succulent meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato sauce. Enhanced with aromatic spices and complemented by poached eggs, this culinary masterpiece is a testament to the rich tapestry of Moroccan cuisine.
Ingredients
For the Meatballs:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (14.5-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Additional:
- 6 large eggs
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Steps
Prepare the Meatballs:
- In a large bowl, combine all the meatball ingredients and mix thoroughly.
- Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.
Create the Sauce:
- Heat the olive oil in a large tagine or Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and cook until softened.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, chicken broth, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, and cayenne pepper.
- Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.
Simmer the Meatballs:
- Gently place the meatballs into the sauce and nestle them in.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cover the tagine.
- Simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.
Poach the Eggs:
- Carefully crack the eggs into the tagine, one at a time.
- Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the eggs are poached to your desired doneness.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Transfer the kefta tagine to a serving platter and garnish with lemon wedges.
- Serve with warm pita bread or rice to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Tips
- For a richer flavor, use a combination of ground beef and lamb in the meatballs.
- Adjust the spices to your taste preferences.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the meatballs with chickpeas.
- Serve the kefta tagine with a side of yogurt or harissa for an extra kick of flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
FAQ
Q: What if I don't have a tagine?
A: You can use a Dutch oven or a large skillet with a lid.
Q: How do I know if the meatballs are cooked through?
A: Cut into one of the meatballs to check if the center is no longer pink.
Q: Can I use a different type of meat for the meatballs?
A: Yes, you can use ground lamb, chicken, or turkey.
Q: How do I store the kefta tagine?
A: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.