Indulge your taste buds with a culinary journey to Morocco right from your kitchen! These Moroccan Lamb Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce are a delightful fusion of bold flavors and aromatic spices that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Marrakech. With just 45 minutes from prep to plate, you can impress your family and friends with this exotic dish that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe that promises to be a showstopper at your next meal!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground lamb
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups tomato sauce
- 1 tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the ingredients. Measure out 1 pound of ground lamb, 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. Also, crack 1 egg into a small bowl and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground lamb, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, minced garlic, egg, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together using your hands or a fork until well combined.
- Once the mixture is evenly blended, shape it into meatballs, about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. You should get approximately 16 meatballs from this mixture. Place the formed meatballs on a plate or baking sheet.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add a drizzle of olive oil. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the meatballs to the skillet in a single layer. Cook the meatballs for about 5-7 minutes, turning them occasionally until they are browned on all sides. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, pour in 2 cups of tomato sauce and add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Stir the sauce to combine the flavors and bring it to a gentle simmer.
- Once the sauce is simmering, carefully return the browned meatballs to the skillet, ensuring they are submerged in the sauce. Cover the skillet with a lid and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for about 15-20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the meatballs to cook through.
- After 20 minutes, check the meatballs for doneness. They should be cooked through and tender. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Serve the Moroccan lamb meatballs hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley if desired. These meatballs pair wonderfully with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the spicy tomato sauce.
Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh parsley and high-quality ground lamb. Fresh herbs can make a significant difference in taste!
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the cayenne pepper or omit it altogether. Conversely, if you love heat, feel free to add extra spices to the tomato sauce.
- Shape Uniform Meatballs: To ensure even cooking, make sure your meatballs are uniform in size. Using a cookie scoop can help achieve consistency.
- Sear for Flavor: Don’t skip the browning step! Searing the meatballs adds a delicious depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish.
- Let the Flavors Meld: Allow the meatballs to simmer in the sauce for the full 15-20 minutes. This step is crucial for the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve with Sides: These meatballs are perfect with couscous, rice, or even warm crusty bread to soak up that rich, spicy tomato sauce.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also freshness to the dish. Serve it up and watch your guests’ eyes light up!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 12g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 120mg
