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Comfort Food Recipes Moroccan Meatballs

When I think of comfort food recipes, these Moroccan meatballs come straight to mind. I can still picture the first time I simmered a pot of these tiny spiced treasures, the air in the kitchen thick with cinnamon and cumin. The sound of the sauce bubbling was like background music, and honestly, I kept sneaking tastes before dinner even hit the table. What makes this dish special is how it straddles the line between hearty and exotic. It’s a meatball recipe, sure, but the Moroccan food flavors set it apart. The sauce, lush with tomatoes and warm spices, clings to every bite, while fresh herbs give it a brightness that keeps you coming back with your fork, again and again. Whether you’re new to Moroccan food traditional cooking or you’ve been hunting for meatballs recipes that feel a little different, this one hits the mark. It has the kind of bold flavors that make Moroccan food recipes so memorable, yet it feels like something you can put on the table any weeknight. It’s the kind of meal where you lean back afterward and think, yep, that was worth it.
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time40 minutes
Total Time1 hour
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan
Keywords: comfort food recipes, Meatball Recipes, meatballs recipes, Moroccan Food, Moroccan Food Recipes, Moroccan Food Traditional, moroccan recipes
Servings: 4 servings
Author: Camila

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef or lamb
  • 1 small onion, grated
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 tsp ground coriander
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a bowl, mix ground meat, onion, garlic, breadcrumbs, egg, and half the spices until combined.
  2. Form small meatballs, about the size of a walnut.
  3. Heat olive oil in a skillet and brown the meatballs on all sides. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same skillet, add tomatoes, broth, tomato paste, and remaining spices. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  5. Return the meatballs to the skillet and cover. Let them simmer in the sauce for 25-30 minutes.
  6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro before serving. Serve hot with couscous or crusty bread.