Runner up in the 2012 tagine contest…
Deciding on 1 winner for the 2012 tagine recipe contest was a difficult task for our judges. This recipe from Elsa Cooks was a close second runner up, and winner of a Clay Coyote gift certificate. We made this tagine in a Clay Coyote flameware tagine doing every step from start to finish in one pot on the stovetop.
Serving Size = 2 – 3
Meatballs
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Cayenne, to taste
- Cinnamon, just a pinch
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (optional)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (I used fresh)
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
- 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
Sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt/Pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice (optional)
- Pinch of cayenne, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric (optional)
- 1/4 cup water
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1, 14.5 oz can whole tomatoes, with juice
- 4 tablespoons tomato sauce (could also use tomato paste, about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 tablespoon parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
- Place a large, deep saute pan or tagine over medium heat. Add a touch of oil (EVOO).
- Mix together all of the ingredients for the meatballs, except the beef. Once blended, add the beef and mix with hands as little as possible, just until combined. Roll into golf-ball size meatballs. Once done, add to pan and brown on all sides, turning as little as possible. Remove from pan, drain off excess oil and add a bit of EVOO.
- Add the onions and cook for a few minutes, until it starts to soften, then add the spices, zest, and mix. Cook about 1 minute. Add 1/4 cup of water to de-glaze a bit, then add the rest of the sauce ingredients. Stir and let simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the meatballs and cover, cook until the meatballs cook through (about 20 minutes), turning once. I also reduce the heat a bit to keep the sauce at a simmer.
- In the last 15 minutes of cooking, start the couscous. Share and Enjoy!!!
- The main image was borrowed from Elsa…
