Description
A delicious recipe for Moroccan Cinnamon Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, featuring spiced meatballs simmered in a flavorful tomato medley.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound ground beef or lamb
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped cilantro
- 1/4 cup shredded onion (about 1 small onion)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, blend the ground beef or lamb with panko breadcrumbs, cilantro, shredded onion, minced garlic, egg, cinnamon, cumin, coriander, sea salt, black pepper, and chili powder (if desired). Form the mixture into small meatballs, about 1 inch in diameter.
- In a large frying pan, heat avocado oil over medium-high heat. Carefully place the meatballs in the pan, cooking them until they achieve a golden-brown crust on all sides, roughly 5-7 minutes. Once browned, transfer the meatballs to a plate and set aside.
- Using the same pan, pour in the diced tomatoes, maple syrup, thyme, and crushed red pepper (if using). Stir the mixture and let it come to a gentle simmer.
- Gently reintroduce the meatballs into the pan, cover, and allow them to simmer in the tomato medley for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until they are fully cooked.
- Serve the spiced meatballs warm, topped with fresh cilantro. They make a delightful dish on their own or can be paired with pasta or quinoa for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Chili powder can be adjusted based on your heat preference.
- Fresh cilantro can be substituted with parsley if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Moroccan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Moroccan Cinnamon Meatballs in Tomato Sauce, Spiced Meatballs, Easy Recipe