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Moroccan Kefta

Kefta (Moroccan Spiced Meatballs) Recipe

Moroccan Kefta are spiced meatballs made from ground beef or lamb, blended with herbs like parsley and cilantro, and seasoned with spices such as cumin, paprika, and coriander. These flavorful meatballs can be grilled, skewered, or simmered in a tomato-based sauce.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 489 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g ground beef or lamb
  • 1 small onion finely grated
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 can 400g diced tomatoes
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 200°C (390°F). In a large bowl, combine the ground meat, grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, and chopped cilantro. Mixing by hand is best to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the meat.
  • Add the ground cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper to the meat mixture. Continue mixing thoroughly until all the spices are well incorporated, which helps flavour the meatballs evenly.
  • Shape the seasoned meat mixture into small balls, roughly the size of a walnut. For consistency, use a tablespoon to measure the portions. Place the formed meatballs on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Bake the meatballs in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are browned on the outside but still juicy on the inside. Avoid overbaking to maintain tenderness. Meanwhile, proceed to prepare the sauce.
  • For the sauce, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced tomatoes, paprika, cumin, and cinnamon. Stir well to combine the spices with the tomatoes and let it cook for 10-12 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
  • Season the tomato sauce with salt and pepper according to taste. If the sauce appears too thick, add a splash of water to achieve the desired consistency. The sauce should be rich but not overly reduced.
  • Once the meatballs are done, add them to the skillet with the sauce. Gently coat the meatballs in the sauce, ensuring each one is well covered. Let them simmer in the sauce for another 5-10 minutes to allow the flavours to meld together.
  • Serve the kefta hot, garnished with additional chopped parsley or cilantro. This dish is best enjoyed with warm Moroccan bread, couscous, or over a bed of fluffy rice. Offer lemon wedges on the side for a fresh citrus burst that enhances the spiced flavours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 489kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 40gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 18gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 132mgSodium: 501mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g
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