Moroccan Meatballs

​Sincere apologies for the unexpected hiatus, June was very hectic but we are back on our usual schedule now. -Anna

Moroccan Meatballs, a savory and spicy treat! Serve over Moroccan or Pearl Couscous and you've got a flavorful North African treat!

---

Moroccan Spice Blend

• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp kosher salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp ground turmeric
• ½ tsp ground cinnamon 

Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 28-oz can of crushed tomatoes
• 3 Tbs olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp Moroccan Spice Blend (above)
• 1/8 tsp ground cayenne, if desired
• 3 Tbs flat leaf parsley, chopped - or 1 ½ tsp dried parsley
• 3 Tbs cilantro, chopped - or 1 ½ tsp dried cilantro, or use all parsley if you prefer

Directions

• Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven or deep pot over medium heat
  
• Sauté the onion and bell pepper for several minutes until onion is transparent
  
• Add the garlic and spices, stirring and sauté another minute
• Add the crushed tomatoes, stirring to combine
• When you have a nice simmer, remove from heat and let cool for half an hour before blending
• Blend the sauce with an immersion blender, or blend in a regular blender and return to pot
  
• Heat sauce on low while you prepare the meatballs

Meatballs

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef or lamb (80/20 typically)
• 1 Tbs dried minced onion
• 3 Tbs flat leaf parsley, chopped - or 1 ½ tsp dried parsley
• 3 Tbs cilantro, chopped - or 1 ½ tsp dried cilantro, or use all parsley if you prefer
• 1 Tbs Moroccan Spice Blend (above)
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, if desired
• ½ cup of plain bread crumbs
• 1 egg

Directions

• In a bowl combine the ground meat, onion, herbs, and spices
• Make small cocktail size meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter. This mixture should make between 50-60 total
• Add the meatballs to the sauce and gently stir to combine and coat. Let cook 10-15 minutes, or longer if you want to let it simmer a bit more
• Serve as is or with steamed couscous

---