Kefta Meatballs and Tomato Sauce Tagine with Jalapeño & Herb Yoghurt Sauce

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@tangialoz

A flavorful Moroccan-inspired dish featuring spiced kefta meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce, served with a refreshing jalapeño and herb yoghurt sauce.

Kefta Meatballs and Tomato Sauce Tagine with Jalapeño & Herb Yoghurt Sauce recipe
Prep Time
30min
Cook Time
45min
Total Time
1hr 15min

Ingredients

4 Servings
(1 serving = 1 meatball with sauce and yoghurt)

Tomato Tagine

  • olive oil
    olive oil
    2tbsp
  • garlic
    garlic
    2clove
  • peeled tomatoes
    peeled tomatoes
    1can
  • flat leaf parsley
    flat leaf parsley
    10g
  • coriander
    coriander
    10g
  • ground cumin
    ground cumin
    1tsp
  • paprika
    paprika
    1tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1/2tsp
  • sugar
    sugar
    1/2tsp
  • ground black pepper
    ground black pepper
    1/4tsp

Lightly Pickled Onions

  • spring onions
    spring onions
    2
  • white wine vinegar
    white wine vinegar
    1tbsp
  • sugar
    sugar
    1/2tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1/2tsp

Kefta Meatballs

  • minced beef
    minced beef
    400g
  • medium onion
    medium onion
    1
  • flat leaf parsley
    flat leaf parsley
    10g
  • coriander
    coriander
    10g
  • handful fresh mint leaves
    handful fresh mint leaves
    1
  • paprika
    paprika
    2tsp
  • ground cumin
    ground cumin
    1tsp
  • salt
    salt
    1tsp
  • ground black pepper
    ground black pepper
    1/2tsp
  • cayenne pepper
    cayenne pepper
    1pinch

Jalapeño & Herb Yoghurt Sauce

  • Greek yogurt
    Greek yogurt
    100g
  • olive oil
    olive oil
    1tbsp
  • flat leaf parsley
    flat leaf parsley
    15g
  • coriander
    coriander
    15g
  • jalapeno deseeded
    jalapeno deseeded
    1
  • garlic
    garlic
    1clove
  • salt
    salt
    1/4tsp
  • generous pinch sugar
    generous pinch sugar
    1

How to make Kefta Meatballs and Tomato Sauce Tagine with Jalapeño & Herb Yoghurt Sauce

Prepare the Tomato Tagine

  1. Step 1

    Place a large frying pan or saucepan over high heat and stir in the olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, sugar, and pepper.

    Step 1.1: Place a large frying pan or saucepan over high heat and stir in the olive oil, tomatoes, garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, sugar, and pepper
  2. Step 2

    Bring to a boil, then cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes until the mixture becomes a thick sauce.

    Step 1.1: Bring to a boil, then cover the pan, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally, for about 45 minutes until the mixture becomes a thick sauce
  3. Step 3

    If the sauce looks too dry during cooking, add a couple of tablespoons of water.

    Step 1.1: If the sauce looks too dry during cooking, add a couple of tablespoons of water

Prepare the Lightly Pickled Onions

  1. Step 1

    Place all the lightly pickled spring onion ingredients in a small mixing bowl and mix together.

  2. Step 2

    Cover with cling film and place in the fridge.

    Step 2.1: Cover with cling film and place in the fridge

Prepare the Kefta Meatballs

  1. Step 1

    In a large bowl, combine all the kefta ingredients and mix well using your hands or a large spoon.

  2. Step 2

    Shape the mixture into meatballs about 2.5 cm in diameter and cover with cling film. Keep in the fridge until ready to use.

Prepare the Jalapeño & Herb Yoghurt Sauce

  1. Step 1

    Place the jalapeño and herb yoghurt sauce ingredients in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.

  2. Step 2

    Transfer the sauce to a container and place in the fridge.

Cook the Kefta Meatballs

  1. Step 1

    Once the tomato sauce is ready, add the meatballs to the pan, cover again, and cook for about 10 to 12 minutes until they are browned and cooked through.

Serve

  1. Step 1

    Drizzle the yoghurt sauce over the tagine and garnish with pickled onions. Serve immediately with plenty of bread on the side.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories

613.5kcal (30.68%)

Protein

39.3g (78.5%)

Carbs

16.5g (6%)

Sugars

1.5g (3%)

Healthy Fat

33.5g

Unhealthy Fat

6.3g

% Daily Value based on a 2000 calorie diet

Tips & Tricks

  1. You can prepare the tomato sauce, pickled onions, kefta meatballs, and yoghurt sauce in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to use.

  2. Adjust the seasoning of the tomato sauce to your taste by adding more salt or sugar if needed.

FAQS

  1. How do I make Kefta meatballs for a Moroccan-inspired dish?

    To make Kefta meatballs, combine minced beef with spices like cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper, along with fresh herbs such as parsley and coriander. Mix well and shape into meatballs about 2.5 cm in diameter. Chill them in the fridge until you're ready to cook.

  2. What are some good substitutions for ingredients in Kefta Meatballs and Tomato Sauce Tagine?

    If you don't have minced beef, you can substitute it with ground lamb or turkey. For the herbs, feel free to use dried herbs if fresh ones aren't available. Greek yogurt can be replaced with regular yogurt or a dairy-free alternative if you're looking for a lighter option.

  3. How should I store leftover Kefta meatballs and tomato sauce?

    Store any leftover Kefta meatballs and tomato sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw them in the fridge before reheating.

  4. What can I serve with Kefta Meatballs and Tomato Sauce Tagine?

    This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, couscous, or rice to soak up the rich tomato sauce. A simple side salad or roasted vegetables can also complement the flavors nicely.

  5. Is Kefta Meatballs and Tomato Sauce Tagine suitable for a gluten-free diet?

    Yes, Kefta meatballs and tomato sauce can be made gluten-free by ensuring that all ingredients, including any bread served on the side, are gluten-free. Check labels on sauces and spices to avoid hidden gluten.

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@tangialoz

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