Moroccan Meatballs & Potatoes
Recipe Details
- Serves 6–8
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Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 small onion, grated
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ cup fresh coriander (cilantro), finely chopped
- 1 egg
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (796 ml) crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups water or beef broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- ½ tsp turmeric
- 1 tsp sea salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Potatoes
- 6–8 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and sliced into thick rounds
Garnish
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh coriander
- Optional: ½ preserved lemon, finely chopped
Instructions
1. Make the Meatballs
- In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, garlic, parsley, coriander, egg, breadcrumbs, salt, paprika, cumin, turmeric, and pepper.
- Mix until just combined and form into medium-sized meatballs.
2. Prepare the Sauce
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, water or broth, paprika, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Add Potatoes & Meatballs
- Arrange the potato slices in the sauce.
- Nestle the meatballs between the potatoes.
- If using preserved lemon, sprinkle it over the top.
- Spoon some sauce over everything.
4. Cook
- Cover and simmer on low heat for 60–75 minutes, until the potatoes are tender and the meatballs are fully cooked.
- Occasionally spoon the sauce over the potatoes and meatballs while cooking.
5. Finish & Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and coriander.
- Serve hot with challah, couscous, or fluffy rice.
Michele’s Tip
This is one of those classic Moroccan dishes that always finds its way to the Shabbat table. The potatoes soak up the rich tomato sauce while the meatballs become incredibly tender. Even better the next day. 🍋
