25/09/2014
Moroccan-Spiced Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce
This is a great choice for dinner parties but can also be great for a fancy dinner at home, these rich Moroccan-Spiced Meatballs in Spicy Tomato Sauce pair perfectly with pasta, couscous or rice.
Ingredients:
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
1 onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp (10 ml) paprika
1 tsp (5 ml) fennel seeds, crushed
1 tsp (5 ml) cumin seeds, crushed
1/2 tsp (2 ml) cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt
1 pinch saffron threads, (optional)
1 28 oz can (796 ml can) whole tomatoes
Meatballs:
1 small onion, grated
1 egg
1/3 cup (75 ml) bread crumbs
1/3 cup (75 ml) chopped fresh coriander
1/4 cup (60 ml) finely chopped green olives
1 tsp (5 ml) cumin seeds, crushed
1 tsp (5 ml) dried oregano
1/2 tsp (2 ml) salt
1/2 tsp (2 ml) pepper
1/4 tsp (1 ml) cinnamon
1-1/2 lb (680 g) medium ground beef or lean ground beef
2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
Preparation
In shallow Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat; sauté onion until golden, about 6 minutes.
Add garlic, paprika, fennel seeds, cumin seeds, cayenne pepper, salt, and saffron (if using); cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, breaking up with spoon. Bring to boil; reduce heat and simmer until thickened slightly, about 1 hour.
Meatballs: Meanwhile, in large bowl, stir together onion, egg, bread crumbs, coriander, olives, cumin seeds, oregano, salt, pepper and cinnamon; mix in beef. Shape by about 2 tbsp (30 mL) into 24 balls.
In large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; brown meatballs, in batches and turning often, 8 to 10 minutes.
Drain on paper towel–lined plate. Add meatballs to sauce; simmer for 20 minutes.
Serves: 6