This traditional Moroccan-style tajine combines tender spiced meatballs with potatoes, peas, and onions, all slowly cooked to perfection. The tajine’s conical lid allows for the gentle steaming of the ingredients, concentrating their flavors. The dish is both hearty and aromatic, with warming spices complementing the freshness of the vegetables. It is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering where you want to impress with the rich flavors of North African cuisine.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Ingredients (For Four People)
- 500g ground beef or lamb (you can use a mix of both)
- 1 onion, finely chopped (for the meatballs)
- 1 onion, sliced (for the tajine)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3 medium potatoes, peeled and quartered
- 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon is circa 15 ml, and a teaspoon is circa 5 ml.
Preparation Method
Step 1: Prepare the meatballs
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, parsley, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated. Shape the mixture into small meatballs about 1 inch in diameter. Set them aside on a plate.
Step 2: Prepare the tajine base
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large tajine or a heavy-bottomed pot over medium heat. Add the sliced onion and cook for about 5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the quartered potatoes and continue to cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3: Add the peas and seasonings
Add the peas to the tajine along with salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the water or vegetable broth to deglaze the pot, making sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom.
Step 4: Cook the meatballs
Gently place the prepared meatballs on top of the vegetables in the tajine. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, cover with the tajine lid (or a pot lid if using a regular pot), and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 30-35 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender, the meatballs are cooked, and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Serve
Once the tajine is fully cooked, remove it from the heat and garnish with additional parsley, if desired. Serve hot with flatbread or couscous for a complete meal.
Tips and Tricks
You can brown the meatballs in a skillet for a richer flavor before adding them to the tajine. This will give them a slightly crispy exterior and deepen the sauce’s flavor. If you don’t have a tajine, you can use a Dutch oven or any heavy pot with a lid, and the dish will still turn out delicious.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the tajine with warm, fluffy couscous or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A side of fresh green salad or pickled vegetables can complement the rich flavors of the tajine. For extra brightness, serve it with a refreshing yogurt sauce or a drizzle of lemon juice.
Wine Pairing
Typically consumed without alcohol, a medium-bodied red wine, such as a Grenache or Syrah, may pair beautifully with the dish’s spices. For a non-alcoholic option, a mint tea or sparkling water with lemon is perfect to cleanse the palate between bites.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: 450
Protein: 25g
Fat: 24g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Modifications
- Gluten-Free: This dish is naturally gluten-free with gluten-free sides like rice or potatoes.
- Dairy-Free: The recipe is naturally dairy-free.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the meatballs with plant-based meat or seasoned chickpeas for a vegan dish variation.
About the Tajine Meatballs With Vegetables
This Moroccan-inspired tajine is a beautiful representation of traditional North African cooking. With its unique conical shape, the tajine pot allows for slow cooking, keeping the moisture in and concentrating the flavors of the ingredients. The combination of warm spices like cumin, coriander, and cinnamon gives the dish its characteristic earthy flavor, while the potatoes and peas provide heartiness and texture. Meatballs are a common feature in many Moroccan tajines, adding protein and richness to the meal. The interplay of tender vegetables, fragrant spices, and succulent meatballs makes this dish a comforting and flavorful option for any occasion.
Cultural Context
Tajine dishes are a cornerstone of Moroccan and broader North African cuisine, named after the distinctive clay pot in which they are cooked. This slow-cooked dish, traditionally shared among family members, reflects the region’s communal approach to dining. The method of layering meat, vegetables, and spices in the tajine pot ensures that each ingredient retains its flavor while contributing to the overall harmony of the dish. Meatballs, or kefta, are often used in Moroccan tajines, sometimes mixed with eggs or tomatoes for variation. The use of peas and potatoes, along with onions, gives this particular tajine a more rustic, comforting quality, reminiscent of home-cooked meals enjoyed throughout North Africa.
