Kefta Tagine

Name: Kefta Tagine
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Moroccan
Ingredients: 12 oz ground lamb; 12 oz ground beef; 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely minced; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 4 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 4 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/4 tsp ground coriander; 1/4 tsp ground ginger; 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon; 1.5 cups tomato sauce; 1 egg; 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/4 tsp salt

Spiced ground lamb and beef meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce with warming Moroccan spices like cinnamon, cumin, and coriander. Served over couscous.

45 minEasyServes 4420 cal/serving

MoroccanDinnerStovetopStandard

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Ingredients

12 oz ground lamb
12 oz ground beef
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely minced
2 garlic cloves, minced
4 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
4 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp ground coriander
1/4 tsp ground ginger
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1.5 cups tomato sauce
1 egg
2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
1/4 tsp salt

Instructions

1

In a bowl, combine 12 oz ground lamb, 12 oz ground beef, 1/2 medium finely minced yellow onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 4 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro, 4 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/4 tsp ground coriander, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon, 1 egg, 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs, and 1/4 tsp salt. Mix gently until just combined.
2

Form the mixture into 12-16 meatballs about the size of walnuts.
3

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides, about 5 minutes total. Work in batches if needed.
4

Pour 1.5 cups tomato sauce over the meatballs. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, covered, for 20 minutes.
5

Uncover and simmer for an additional 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt to taste.
6

Serve the meatballs and sauce over couscous or with crusty bread.

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Questions

Why does Kefta Tagine say not to overmix?

Step 1 reads: "Mix gently until just combined." Stirring develops gluten, and gluten makes quick batters tough and tunneled. Stop at step 1 while a few streaks of flour remain; they hydrate on their own.

Is there a substitute for panko in Kefta Tagine?

The entry for Kefta Tagine calls for 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs. In its place: Coarse dry breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers all work. Fine breadcrumbs coat more densely, so use a little less.

Can I use ground beef instead of ground lamb in Kefta Tagine?

Yes, at the same weight. The flavor is milder; a pinch more cumin or an extra clove of garlic closes the gap. As written, the entry for Kefta Tagine uses 12 oz ground lamb.

Can I make Kefta Tagine gluten-free?

Yes. The gluten in Kefta Tagine is 2 tbsp panko breadcrumbs. Swap the bread or crumbs for a gluten-free loaf or gluten-free panko. Everything else proceeds as written.

Does Kefta Tagine contain eggs?

Yes: 1 egg. The full allergen list for this entry is gluten and eggs. Packaged ingredients vary by brand, so check labels if the allergy is serious.

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