This delightful dish, also known as Kefta's Tajine with Eggs, is like a Moroccan take on shakshuka, featuring juicy, zesty meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce. It’s easy, affordable, and guaranteed to impress.
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Ingredients
For the Kefta Meatballs
1lbground meatbeef or chicken
½red onionfinely chopped
2tablespoonparsleychopped
2tablespooncilantrochopped
2garlic clovesminced
1tablespoonpaprika
1teaspooncumin
1teaspoonsalt
½teaspoonblack pepper
Pinchred chili flakesoptional
For the Tomato Sauce
6eggspoached in the sauce
½tablespoonolive oil
3tomatoesgrated (or crushed)
½yellow oniongrated
2tablespoontomato paste
1cupwateradjust as needed
1teaspoonpaprika
½teaspooncumin
Salt + pepper to taste
2tablespoonolive oil
Instructions
Preparing the Meatballs
Mix the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, red onion, parsley, cilantro, garlic, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, and chili flakes. Mix well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed.
Marinate: Let the mixture marinate in the refrigerator for at least a couple of hours to allow the flavors to meld.
Form the Meatballs: Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut.
Preparing the Sauce
Grate the Tomatoes: Cut the tomatoes in half and grate them, discarding the skins.
Cook the Sauce: In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the grated onion and sauté until translucent. Then, add the grated tomatoes, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cover the pan and bring the mixture to a boil.
Add the Meatballs: Once the sauce is boiling, gently add the meatballs to the pan. In a separate bowl, dilute the tomato paste with the water and add it to the pan. Cover and let it come to a boil again.
Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the meatballs cook for about 30 minutes, or until they are fully cooked through.
Finishing the Dish
Add the Eggs: Once the meatballs are cooked, crack the eggs directly into the sauce. Cover the pan and let the eggs cook for 4 to 6 minutes, until they are set but still slightly runny.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro over the top and serve the tagine with warm flatbread.