Savory Moroccan Meatball and Egg Tagine
Delight in the rich flavors of North African cuisine with this Savory Moroccan Meatball and Egg Tagine. This comforting dish combines tender meatballs made from ground chuck, simmered in a robust tomato sauce infused with spices like cumin and paprika. Topped with luscious eggs, which meld beautifully into the sauce, this tagine is perfect when served with warm pita bread. Whether you're cooking for family or friends, this dish offers an aromatic journey that will transport you to the vibrant streets of Morocco. Perfect for gatherings, this recipe serves 4 to 6, making it an ideal choice for any occasion.
4
Servings
153
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground chuck
1 lb (raw, ground)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for meatballs)
small onion
1 (finely chopped)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (for meatballs)
salt and pepper
to taste
garlic
1 tablespoon (finely minced)
large onion
1 (finely chopped)
extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon (for sauce)
chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons
paprika
3 teaspoons (for sauce)
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
tomatoes
2 lbs (skins removed, peeled and finely chopped)
large eggs
4
pita bread
for serving (warm)
Instructions
1
For the meatballs, start by combining ground chuck, olive oil, finely chopped small onion, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Shape the mixture into 1-inch meatballs, placing them on a plate and setting aside.
2
Next, prepare the sauce. In a medium Dutch oven or deep cast-iron pot, heat the extra-virgin olive oil over low heat. Add the finely chopped large onion and sauté until they become translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3
Add chopped fresh cilantro, paprika, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper to the pot. Sauté for 2 more minutes, allowing the spices to release their flavors.
4
Incorporate the peeled and finely chopped tomatoes into the pot, stirring well. Turn the heat up slightly and allow the mixture to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes, letting the tomatoes break down and the sauce thicken.
5
Gently place the prepared meatballs on top of the tomato sauce. Cover the pot and let the meatballs cook in the sauce for about 5 minutes, then carefully stir them into the sauce. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6
After simmering, create small wells in the sauce and carefully break eggs into each well. Cover the pot and cook for an additional 5 minutes, until the eggs are just set but still soft.
7
Serve the tagine immediately, garnished with extra cilantro if desired, alongside warm pita or fresh bread for dipping.
Nutrition Information
7g
Fat
12g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Moroccan Meatball and Egg Tagine?
It is a comforting North African dish featuring tender beef meatballs simmered in a spiced tomato sauce topped with poached eggs.
What meat is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of ground chuck prepared as raw, ground meat.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This Moroccan tagine recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 153 calories.
What spices are used to season the meatballs?
The meatballs are seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and pepper.
What spices are included in the tagine sauce?
The sauce is flavored with 3 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
What size should the meatballs be shaped into?
The ground chuck mixture should be shaped into 1-inch meatballs.
How should the onions be prepared for the meatballs?
Use one small onion that is finely chopped for the meatball mixture.
How long should the large onion be sautéed for the sauce?
The large onion should be sautéed over low heat for approximately 5 minutes until translucent.
When should the garlic be added to the pot?
The minced garlic should be added after the onions are translucent and cooked for an additional minute.
How much fresh cilantro is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh cilantro for the sauce.
How long does the tomato sauce simmer before adding the meatballs?
The tomato mixture should simmer for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the tomatoes to break down and the sauce to thicken.
How long do the meatballs simmer in the sauce?
The meatballs simmer in the sauce for a total of approximately 35 minutes: 5 minutes covered on top, then 30 minutes stirred in.
How are the eggs incorporated into the tagine?
Small wells are created in the sauce, and the eggs are carefully broken into each well.
What is the cooking time for the eggs?
The eggs should be cooked for 5 minutes until they are just set but still soft.
What is the recommended side dish for this tagine?
It is best served with warm pita bread or fresh bread for dipping.
What types of oil are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the meatballs and 1 tablespoon of extra-virgin olive oil for the sauce.
How many tomatoes are required for the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of tomatoes that have been peeled with skins removed and finely chopped.
What is the protein content per serving?
There is 10g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
There is 7g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 12g of carbohydrates.
What type of cookware is recommended for this recipe?
A medium Dutch oven or a deep cast-iron pot is recommended for cooking the tagine.
Can I garnish this dish?
Yes, the dish can be garnished with extra cilantro if desired.
What regional cuisine does this dish represent?
This dish represents Moroccan and Mediterranean cuisine.
How much ground cumin is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground cumin.
How much minced garlic is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of finely minced garlic.
How many eggs are cooked in the tagine?
The recipe specifies using 4 large eggs.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it is tagged as spicy, primarily due to the inclusion of paprika and ground cumin.
How should the tomatoes be prepared?
The tomatoes should have their skins removed (peeled) and then be finely chopped.
What is the total number of ingredients used?
There are 14 ingredients listed for this recipe.