Meatball Tajine - Traditional Moroccan Recipe

Meatball Tagine

Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 4

The meatball tagine is a classic Moroccan recipe, combining flavorful meatballs with a rich, spiced tomato sauce. Ideal for a friendly dinner, this dish is served with bread or couscous.

 

Ingredients

500 g minced meat (lamb or beef)

1 finely chopped onion

2 crushed garlic cloves

1 egg

4 tablespoons chopped parsley and coriander

1 teaspoon paprika

1/2 teaspoon cumin

Salt and pepper

400 g chopped tomatoes (or 3 fresh tomatoes)

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 teaspoon sugar (optional)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Olives and preserved lemon for serving (optional)

Preparation

In a bowl, mix the minced meat, chopped onion, garlic, egg, parsley/coriander, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Form small walnut-sized balls.

Heat the olive oil in a tajine or large pan. Quickly brown the meatballs on all sides, then remove and set aside.

In the same tajine, add a dash of oil if necessary and sauté an onion until translucent. Add the chopped tomatoes, tomato paste, sugar, and adjust the seasoning.

Return the meatballs to the sauce, cover, and let simmer on low heat for 20 to 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and the meatballs are cooked.

Add olives and pieces of preserved lemon at the end of cooking for a typically Moroccan touch.

Tips

For softer meatballs, add some soaked and squeezed bread to the meat mixture.

Spicy variation: add a pinch of sweet chili or harissa to taste.

This dish reheats very well and gains flavor the next day.

Serve your meatball tajine with good Moroccan bread, couscous, or a fresh salad.