372 – Tagine of Meatballs and Eggs / طاجن البيض وكرات اللحم

Ingredients :

MEAT INGREDIENTS:

• 1/4 lb. (150g) Ground beef or lamb (or a combination of the two)
• 1/4 of Medium onion, chopped very fine
• 1 teaspoons Paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (to taste)
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro (or parsley)

TOMATO SAUCE INGREDIENTS:

• 2 lbs. (1 kg) fresh, ripe tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 1/4 of Medium onion, very finely chopped
• 2 Cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 1/2 teaspoon paprika, 1 1/2 teaspoon cumin 1 1/2 teaspoon salt (more for taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh cilantro

OTHER:

• 4 large eggs

Directions :

Step 1 – Preparing the Meat:
1- In a large bowl, combine all the kefta (meat) ingredients and mix well.
2- Cover and let the meat rest for 30 minutes while preparing the rest of the ingredients.

Step 2 – Preparing the Tomato Sauce:
1- Cut the tomatoes in half and grate them using the large ‘holes’ of the grater. Discard the skin.
2- In a large and deep sauce pan, drizzle the olive oil and heat on medium heat for a 30 seconds.
3- Add the minced garlic, chopped onion, and the grated tomatoes.
4- Add the spices (listed for the tomatoe sauce) and 2 tablespoons of chopped cilantro
5- Mix and cook on medium heat for around 20-25 minutes before adding the meat balls. Stir with a wooden spoon from time to time, to make sure that the bottom does not burn. The goal is to get a thick tomato sauce at the end.

Bon appetit!