Spiced Moroccan Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce

Introduction

Indulge in a culinary journey to the vibrant streets of Morocco with our tantalizing Spiced Moroccan Lamb Meatballs in Tomato Sauce. This aromatic dish melds the exotic flavors of North Africa with the comforting embrace of a rich tomato sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Prepare to transport your palate to a world of culinary enchantment as we guide you through the effortless steps to recreate this delectable dish in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 pound ground lamb
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1/2 cup chopped parsley
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg, beaten

For the Tomato Sauce:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 chopped onion
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 28 oz crushed tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Steps

1. Prepare the Meatballs:

• In a large bowl, combine the ground lamb, onion, parsley, cilantro, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and egg.
• Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated.
• Form the mixture into 1-inch meatballs.

2. Make the Tomato Sauce:

• Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
• Add the onion and garlic and cook until softened about 5 minutes.
• Stir in the crushed tomatoes, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

3. Cook the Meatballs:

• Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce.
• Bring to a simmer and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through.

Tips

• For extra flavor, use freshly ground lamb.
• If you don't have fresh parsley and cilantro, you can use 1/4 cup of dried herbs.
• Serve the meatballs with couscous, rice, or your favorite pasta.
• Top with fresh chopped cilantro for garnish.

FAQ

1. Can I use ground beef instead of lamb?
Yes, you can use ground beef, but the flavor will be slightly different.

2. Can I make the dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the meatballs and tomato sauce ahead of time. Simply reheat before serving.

3. What are some other spices I can add to the meatballs?
You can add 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice, ground cardamom, or ground cloves.