How to Make Kefta Tagine: Flavorful Moroccan Meatballs

Kefta Tagine is one of Morocco’s most beloved and iconic dishes. This hearty, flavorful stew features juicy meatballs (kefta) cooked in a rich tomato sauce with aromatic spices. Served traditionally in a tagine (a Moroccan clay pot), it’s a dish that embodies the essence of Moroccan cooking: a beautiful balance of spices, fresh ingredients, and deep, savory flavors. Whether served with crusty bread or fluffy couscous, Kefta Tagine is the perfect comfort food to enjoy with family and friends.

In this blog, we will guide you step by step on how to make a delicious and authentic Kefta Tagine right in your own kitchen.

What is Kefta Tagine?

Kefta refers to small, flavorful meatballs made from ground beef or lamb mixed with herbs and spices. These meatballs are then simmered in a tomato-based sauce infused with warm spices, such as cumin, paprika, and cinnamon, resulting in a satisfying and aromatic dish. The beauty of Kefta Tagine lies in the slow cooking process, which allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Ingredients for Kefta Tagine

To make Kefta Tagine, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Kefta (Meatballs):

• 500g (1 lb) ground beef or lamb (or a mix of both)
• 1 medium onion, finely grated or chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (coriander), chopped
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying the meatballs)

For the Sauce:

• 3 large ripe tomatoes, grated or blended
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground paprika
• 1/2 tsp turmeric (optional for color)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
• 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and sliced
• 2-3 eggs (optional, for poaching in the sauce)
• Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Kefta (Meatballs):

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground beef or lamb with the grated onion, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped cilantro, ground cumin, ground paprika, ground cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
• Using your hands, shape the mixture into small meatballs, about the size of a walnut or slightly smaller. You should have about 20-24 meatballs, depending on the size you make them.
• In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the meatballs in batches and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are browned. They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage since they will continue cooking in the sauce. Remove the meatballs from the skillet and set them aside.

2. Make the Sauce:

• In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until it softens and becomes translucent.
• Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
• Stir in the grated or blended tomatoes, ground cumin, ground paprika, and turmeric (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to break down and the spices to infuse the sauce.

3. Combine Meatballs and Sauce:

• Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together, return the browned meatballs to the skillet. Gently spoon the sauce over the meatballs, ensuring they are well coated.
• Add about 1/2 cup of water or chicken broth to the sauce and stir. This will help create a more substantial sauce for the meatballs to cook in.
• Bring the mixture to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let it cook for 15-20 minutes over low heat, allowing the meatballs to cook through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.

4. Add the Olives and Optional Eggs:

• Add the sliced green olives to the tagine or skillet, stirring them into the sauce. This will add a tangy, salty flavor that complements the rich, savory meatballs.
• If you’d like to add poached eggs (a popular variation), create small wells in the sauce and crack an egg into each well. Cover and let the eggs poach in the sauce for 5-7 minutes, or until the whites are set but the yolks remain runny.

5. Garnish and Serve:

• Once the meatballs are cooked through and the sauce is fragrant, remove the tagine or skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley for an extra burst of freshness.
• Serve the Kefta Tagine with warm Moroccan bread (khobz), couscous, or a side of rice. The sauce is perfect for soaking up with bread, making the meal even more satisfying.

Tips for Perfect Kefta Tagine:

• Meat Selection: While ground beef is commonly used, lamb adds a richer flavor to the dish. You can use a combination of both, depending on your preference.

• Flavor Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices based on your taste. For example, if you like your food spicier, you can add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce.

• Olives: Green olives are traditional in Kefta Tagine, adding a tangy flavor that complements the rich meatballs. However, if you don’t have green olives, black olives can be used as a substitute.

• Eggs: Poaching eggs in the sauce is a wonderful way to make the dish even more indulgent. The runny yolks mix beautifully with the rich tomato sauce and are a treat with every bite.

• Cooking in a Tagine: If you have a traditional Moroccan tagine pot, feel free to cook the entire dish in it. The tagine's unique shape and slow-cooking properties make it ideal for stews like this, as it helps retain moisture and enhances the flavors.

Kefta Tagine is a perfect example of Moroccan cuisine’s ability to combine simple ingredients and traditional cooking techniques into a flavorful, comforting dish. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a delicious meal that will transport you to the heart of Morocco. The juicy meatballs, savory tomato sauce, and fragrant spices make this dish an absolute crowd-pleaser, and the addition of poached eggs and olives takes it to the next level.

Enjoy your Kefta Tagine with family and friends, and savor the beautiful flavors of Morocco in every bite. Bon appétit, or as they say in Morocco, Bessaha wa ra7a (Enjoy your meal in good health)!