Dive into the vibrant flavors of Morocco with our irresistible Moroccan Meatballs with Roasted Tomatoes and Chickpeas! This dish is not only a feast for the senses but also a culinary adventure that will transport your taste buds to the bustling markets of Marrakech. Imagine juicy, spiced meatballs nestled among tender chickpeas and succulent roasted tomatoes, all drizzled with a hint of olive oil—it's a comfort food experience that’s both hearty and healthy. Perfect for a family dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight meals. Ready to embark on this delicious journey? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon coriander
- 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef with cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Shape the seasoned ground beef into uniform meatballs, approximately 1-
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 12-16 meatballs depending on size preference.
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a large baking sheet by lightly greasing it or lining with parchment paper.
- Drain the chickpeas and pat them dry with paper towels. Spread the chickpeas and diced tomatoes evenly across the baking sheet.
- Arrange the prepared meatballs on top of the chickpeas and tomatoes, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Drizzle the entire dish with a small amount of olive oil and sprinkle additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the meatballs are fully cooked and have a golden-brown exterior.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
- Optionally, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with couscous or warm pita bread.
Tips
- Mix with Care: When combining the ground beef with spices, use your hands to ensure that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the meat. This will enhance the flavor of each meatball.
- Uniform Size: Aim for meatballs that are about 1 to
- 5 inches in diameter. This ensures even cooking and makes for a visually appealing dish.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When placing the meatballs on the baking sheet, make sure they have enough space between them. This allows for proper roasting and helps achieve that golden-brown exterior.
- Chickpea Prep: Patting the chickpeas dry before roasting helps them crisp up in the oven, adding a delightful texture to the dish.
- Garnish for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro just before serving adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors beautifully.
- Serve with Sides: Pair these meatballs with couscous or warm pita bread to soak up the delicious juices, turning your meal into a complete Moroccan feast.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 273kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 24g
Fat: 16g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
