Go Back

Moroccan Meatballs with lemon garlic yoghurt and couscous

Moroccan meatballs, served alongside fluffy couscous, tangy lemon garlic yogurt, and a refreshing vegetable salad
Prep Time20 minutes
Cook Time25 minutes
Coursedinner
Cuisinemoroccan
Servings5

Ingredients
  

For the Moroccan Meatballs:

  • 500 g ground lamb or beef
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon ground coriander
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
  • 2 tablespoons cooked couscous
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • For the Lemon Garlic Yogurt:
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • Salt to taste

For the Couscous:

  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 1/4 cups boiling hot water
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh cilantro or parsley for garnish

For the Vegetable Salad:

  • 2 large tomatoes diced
  • 1/2 red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cucumber diced
  • 1 tablespoon sumac adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish optional

Instructions
 

Prepare the Moroccan Meatballs:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the ground meat, chopped onion, minced garlic, ground cumin, coriander, paprika, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and cooked couscous.
  • Mix the ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
  • Shape the mixture into small meatballs, about 1-inch in diameter.
  • Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the meatballs in batches and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer cooked meatballs to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.

Prepare the Lemon Garlic Yogurt:

  • In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and salt. Stir until well mixed. Adjust seasoning according to your taste preferences.

Prepare the Couscous:

  • Bring the hot water to a boil. Stir in the olive oil and salt into the couscous. Remove from heat, cover, and let it sit for about 5 minutes, or until the couscous absorbs the liquid and becomes fluffy.
  • Fluff the couscous with a fork and set aside .

Prepare the Vegetable Salad:

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and diced cucumber.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice to make the dressing.
  • Drizzle the dressing over the vegetable mixture and toss gently to coat.
  • Sprinkle sumac over the salad and toss again to distribute the flavors evenly.
  • Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves, if desired, for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Serve:

  • Arrange the cooked Moroccan meatballs on a serving platter alongside the lemon garlic yogurt, fluffy couscous, and the refreshing vegetable salad with tomatoes, onions, cucumber, and sumac.
  • Garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and added freshness.

Video

Keywordiftar, meatballs