Tajine with Meatballs & Potatoes – Hearty Family Recipe

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By Maria

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Tajine with Meatballs & Potatoes - Hearty Family Recipe

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Get ready to create an unforgettable family meal with Tajine aux boulettes de viande et pommes de terre. This North African-inspired dish combines tender meatballs, potatoes, and olives in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with cumin, paprika, and fresh herbs. Serve it warm, with crusty bread to soak up every drop of this delicious, comforting sauce!

Introduction: 

Tajine is a hallmark of Maghreb cuisine, originating from the rich culinary traditions of North Africa. This recipe for Tajine aux boulettes de viande et pommes de terre is both hearty and full of flavor, ideal for those looking for a comforting and satisfying meal. Packed with fresh herbs and warm spices, this dish is a perfect balance of tender meat, soft potatoes, and zesty olives in a mouthwatering tomato sauce. Ideal for any season, this Tajine is easy to make and an excellent choice for a cozy dinner that brings people together around the table.

Ingredients 

Here’s What You’ll Need:

  • 500 g ground beef or a blend of beef and lamb or veal
  • 6 medium potatoes – peeled and cut into wedges
  • 1 medium onion – white or red, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic – minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for added heat)
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley or coriander – finely chopped
  • Fresh or dried mint (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
  • 1 cup (250 ml) crushed tomatoes – canned or fresh
  • A handful of olives – rinsed and drained, use green or purple for variety

How to Make Tajine with Meatballs and Potatoes – Step by Step

Step1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Start by chopping the onion and garlic.
  2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters, then halve each quarter to get roughly even pieces.
  3. Finely chop parsley or coriander and mint if using.

Step2: Begin with the Tomato Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a large tajine pot, Dutch oven, or deep skillet with a lid over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, half of the cumin, ginger, paprika, and chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Add a small glass of water (about 100 ml) to loosen the sauce.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook gently for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Step3: Shape and Season the Meatballs

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with the remaining spices and half the chopped herbs.
  2. Season with salt to taste and mix by hand until well combined.
  3. Form small meatballs, about the size of a walnut, and set them aside.

Step4: Assemble and Cook the Tajine

  1. Add the potato pieces and olives to the tomato sauce, stir to coat.
  2. Place the meatballs evenly over the potatoes, ensuring each is partially submerged in the sauce.
  3. Cover and simmer for 35 minutes, or until the potatoes and meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
  4. Check doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork; they should be soft.

Step5: Serve

  1. Sprinkle the remaining fresh herbs over the top before serving.
  2. Drizzle with a touch of extra olive oil, if desired, for added richness.
  3. Serve hot with warm, crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

Helpful Tips 

  • Choose Fresh Spices: To capture authentic flavor, use fresh, high-quality spices. Ground cumin, ginger, and paprika give the dish its distinctive flavor.
  • Control the Heat: For a spicy twist, add a pinch more chili powder. Omit it for a milder version.
  • Use a Good Tajine Substitute: If you don’t have a traditional tajine pot, a heavy skillet or Dutch oven with a lid works well.

Cooking Tips 

  • Browning the Meatballs: For a richer taste, you can brown the meatballs lightly before adding them to the sauce.
  • Perfect Potato Texture: Ensure potatoes are evenly cut for uniform cooking. Waxy varieties work best for a creamy, soft texture.

Serving Suggestions

Pair your tajine with any of the following for a complete meal:

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 350
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Vitamins: High in vitamin C and potassium from the potatoes and tomatoes

Storage and Leftovers 

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze tajine for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheating: Heat gently on the stovetop until warmed through, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

  1. Can I use lamb instead of beef?
    Yes, lamb adds a richer flavor. You can use a mix of beef and lamb or just lamb alone.
  2. Can I add other vegetables?
    Absolutely. Carrots or zucchini are great additions.
  3. What type of olives should I use?
    Any variety works, but green or purple olives add a lovely color and taste.
  4. Is it essential to use fresh herbs?
    Fresh herbs add great flavor, but dried herbs can be used in smaller amounts if fresh aren’t available.

Related Recipes 

Conclusion: Try This Tajine Recipe and Bring a Taste of North Africa to Your Table!

Thank you for exploring this delicious Tajine aux boulettes de viande et pommes de terre recipe! I hope it brings warmth and flavor to your meals. Share your experience or any personal twists on the dish below. Enjoy, and don’t forget to serve with crusty bread to savor every bit of the rich sauce!

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Tajine with Meatballs & Potatoes - Hearty Family Recipe

Tajine with Meatballs & Potatoes – Hearty Family Recipe


Description

Get ready to create an unforgettable family meal with Tajine aux boulettes de viande et pommes de terre. This North African-inspired dish combines tender meatballs, potatoes, and olives in a rich tomato sauce seasoned with cumin, paprika, and fresh herbs. Serve it warm, with crusty bread to soak up every drop of this delicious, comforting sauce!


Ingredients

Scale

  • 500 g ground beef or a blend of beef and lamb or veal
  • 6 medium potatoes – peeled and cut into wedges
  • 1 medium onion – white or red, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves of garlic – minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for added heat)
  • 1 bunch of fresh parsley or coriander – finely chopped
  • Fresh or dried mint (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper – to taste
  • 1 cup (250 ml) crushed tomatoes – canned or fresh
  • A handful of olives – rinsed and drained, use green or purple for variety

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

  1. Start by chopping the onion and garlic.
  2. Peel the potatoes and cut them into quarters, then halve each quarter to get roughly even pieces.
  3. Finely chop parsley or coriander and mint if using.

Step 2: Begin with the Tomato Sauce

  1. Heat olive oil in a large tajine pot, Dutch oven, or deep skillet with a lid over medium heat.
  2. Add chopped onions and sauté until translucent.
  3. Stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, half of the cumin, ginger, paprika, and chili powder, and season with salt and pepper. Add a small glass of water (about 100 ml) to loosen the sauce.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook gently for 10 minutes to let the flavors blend.

Step 3: Shape and Season the Meatballs

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine the ground meat with the remaining spices and half the chopped herbs.
  2. Season with salt to taste and mix by hand until well combined.
  3. Form small meatballs, about the size of a walnut, and set them aside.

Step 4: Assemble and Cook the Tajine

  1. Add the potato pieces and olives to the tomato sauce, stir to coat.
  2. Place the meatballs evenly over the potatoes, ensuring each is partially submerged in the sauce.
  3. Cover and simmer for 35 minutes, or until the potatoes and meatballs are fully cooked and tender.
  4. Check doneness by piercing the potatoes with a fork; they should be soft.

Step 5: Serve

  1. Sprinkle the remaining fresh herbs over the top before serving.
  2. Drizzle with a touch of extra olive oil, if desired, for added richness.
  3. Serve hot with warm, crusty bread for dipping in the sauce.

Notes

  • Choose Fresh Spices: To capture authentic flavor, use fresh, high-quality spices. Ground cumin, ginger, and paprika give the dish its distinctive flavor.
  • Control the Heat: For a spicy twist, add a pinch more chili powder. Omit it for a milder version.
  • Use a Good Tajine Substitute: If you don’t have a traditional tajine pot, a heavy skillet or Dutch oven with a lid works well.

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