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Moroccan meatballs with herb couscous

Moroccan Meatballs with Herb Couscous for Cozy Family Nights

Delicious Moroccan meatballs with herb couscous, perfect for cozy family nights.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Moroccan
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

For the Meatballs
  • 500 grams Lean Beef or Lamb Mince Substitution: Use turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • 1 medium Onion (Grated) Use a shallot as an alternative.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (Crushed)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried Chilli Flakes Adjust according to preference; substitution: Use fresh chili.
  • 2 tablespoons Dukkah Substitution: Use a mix of ground nuts and spices if unavailable.
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Use butter for richer taste.
For the Sauce
  • 400 grams Chopped Tomatoes (Canned)
  • 500 milliliters Chicken or Lamb Stock Vegetable stock is a vegetarian alternative.
  • 1 teaspoon Cinnamon
  • 1/4 bunch Fresh Coriander/Cilantro For garnish.
For the Couscous
  • 250 grams Couscous Substitution: Quinoa for a gluten-free option.
  • 500 milliliters Stock (for Couscous)
  • 1/4 bunch Parsley For freshness.

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • frying pan
  • Heatproof bowl
  • Lid or plastic wrap

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the lean beef or lamb mince, grated onion, crushed garlic, dried chili flakes, dukkah, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix all the ingredients thoroughly with your hands until well combined, then shape the mixture into walnut-sized meatballs, ensuring they are tightly packed for even cooking. This step may take about 10 minutes.
  2. Heat a generous drizzle of olive oil in a non-stick frying pan over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the meatballs in batches, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, turning occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and keep warm while preserving any remaining oil in the pan.
  3. In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and sauté a chopped onion and a few crushed garlic cloves over medium heat. Stir continuously for about 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, incorporate the ground cumin, cinnamon, and a pinch of chili flakes. Allow these spices to cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, releasing their robust aromas.
  4. Pour in the canned chopped tomatoes and the chicken or lamb stock, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, gently return the browned meatballs to the sauce, ensuring they are fully submerged. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
  5. While the sauce is simmering, place the couscous in a heatproof bowl and drizzle with a splash of olive oil for extra flavor. Carefully pour the boiling stock over the couscous, ensuring it's fully covered. Immediately cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap, letting it sit for 5 minutes to cook. After this time, fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in freshly chopped parsley for a burst of freshness.
  6. To serve, create a bed of fluffy herb couscous on each plate. Spoon the delicious, simmered Moroccan meatballs along with the rich sauce over the couscous. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh coriander or cilantro on top to add brightness and an inviting presentation. Enjoy this delightful meal with your loved ones!

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 600mgPotassium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 1000IUVitamin C: 15mgCalcium: 50mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Chill the mixture if too loose, avoid overcrowding in the pan, and adjust sauce thickness as needed. Customize the heat level by reducing dried chili flakes.

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