Best 7 Moroccan Sardine Meatballs Recipes

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Moroccan sardine meatballs, known locally as "boulettes de sardines à la Marocaine," are a delightful and flavorful dish that captures the essence of Moroccan cuisine. Made with fresh sardines, aromatic spices, and herbs, these meatballs are a perfect blend of textures and tastes. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner looking to explore new culinary horizons, this article will guide you through the process of creating these delicious and authentic Moroccan sardine meatballs, providing you with a step-by-step recipe and tips to ensure success in your kitchen.

Here are our top 7 tried and tested recipes!

MOROCCAN SARDINE MEATBALL TAJINE



Moroccan Sardine Meatball Tajine image

Cleaned sardines are mixed with spices to create a meatball tajine that is a favorite in Morocco.

Provided by Amanda

Categories     Moroccan Food

Time 45m

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 pounds fresh sardines (1 pound once cleaned)
2 cloves garlic
1 Tbsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
Palmful each of chopped parsley and cilantro
Juice of 1 small lemon
Handful of short grain rice (optional)
2 large tomatoes grated and skin discarded
Palmful each of cilantro and parsley chopped
2 cloves of garlic crushed
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
2 Tbsp olive oil

Steps:

  • Before you start cooking it's easiest to make the meatball mix first. You will want to ensure the sardines are as clean as possible; removing all bones and skin. It's a bit easier to do this if you use larger fresh sardines. See the notes section on how to use tinned sardines instead. After the fish has been cleaned, add the meat, garlic, cumin, paprika, parsley, cilantro and lemon juice to a food processor. Turn on low power to combine all of the ingredients until it's the consistency of a paste. If you are using the rice, mix it in at this point with a spoon. Make the sardine paste into meatballs the size you'd like; typically they are slightly smaller than a golf ball. In the bottom of a tajine or in a skillet add the olive oil, garlic, and grated tomato flesh. Heat until it begins to bubble and add the remaining ingredients. Allow to cook on low heat. Add the meatballs to the tomato sauce and cover the tajine or skillet. Allow to cook for 30-45 minutes on low heat until the meatballs are cooked all the way through. Serve hot with bread for scooping up the dish. You can also prepare a roast green pepper (either bell pepper or hot pepper), remove the blackened part of the skin and then cut into thin ribbons to places on top of the sardines for an added flavor.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 507 calories, Carbohydrate 19 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 166 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 22 grams fat, Fiber 2 grams fiber, Protein 56 grams protein, SaturatedFat 5 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 455 grams sodium, Sugar 3 grams sugar, TransFat 0 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 15 grams unsaturated fat

MOROCCAN MEATBALLS



Moroccan Meatballs image

Provided by Guy Fieri

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h30m

Yield 15 to 20 servings

Number Of Ingredients 21

1 gallon tomato sauce
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup ground cumin
1/4 cup harissa
3 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1 gallon bread cubes, day-old, no crust
5 cups minced yellow onions
3/4 cup minced garlic
5 pounds ground chuck
5 pounds ground pork
3/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro
3/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
1/4 cup cumin seeds, ground
1/4 cup smoked paprika
1/4 cup black peppercorns, ground
1/4 cup salt
4 teaspoons ancho chile powder
1 tablespoon ground ginger
10 eggs, whipped before adding
Vegetable oil

Steps:

  • For the sauce: Mix together the tomato sauce, cilantro, cumin, harissa, paprika and cinnamon.
  • For the meatballs: Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Soak the bread in just enough water to cover for 1 minute. Pour into a colander and let sit for 10 minutes. Squeeze all the excess water out.
  • Meanwhile, gently cook the onions and garlic until translucent. Let cool, then transfer to a bowl. Add the chuck, pork, cilantro, parsley, cumin, paprika, pepper, salt, chile powder, ginger and eggs and mix thoroughly.
  • Portion and shape the mixture into 3 1/2-ounce balls. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large saute pan and brown the meatballs on all sides.
  • Transfer to a large baking dish, cover with the meatball sauce and wrap with aluminum foil. Braise the meatballs in the oven until cooked through but not dry, 20 minutes.
  • Let cool slightly, then serve.

MOROCCAN MEATBALLS



Moroccan Meatballs image

A nice combination of taste, and a little different. I made these half size and served them as an appetizer with a tart cranberry dip. From local newspaper.

Provided by Derf2440

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 45m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

2 teaspoons olive oil
1/2 small onion, chopped
1 garlic clove, smashed
1 lb ground lamb
1/2 cup cooked couscous
1 egg, beaten
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350°F.
  • In a small nonstick frypan, heat oil over medium heat.
  • Saute onion and garlic for 3 minutes or until browned.
  • In a medium bowl, combine ground lamb, couscous, egg, parsley, turmeric, cinnamon and ginger.
  • Add sauteed onion and garlic.
  • Mix well, form into 1 and 1/2 inch meatballs.
  • Place on a prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, turning after 15 minutes, until browned on all sides and no longer pink.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 387.1, Fat 30.1, SaturatedFat 12.3, Cholesterol 129.4, Sodium 87.5, Carbohydrate 6.2, Fiber 0.7, Sugar 0.5, Protein 21.4

MOROCCAN SARDINE MEATBALLS



Moroccan Sardine Meatballs image

High in omega-3s, these are a healthier alternative to regular meatballs!

Provided by Seafood Nutrition Partnership

Categories     African Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 (4 ounce) can sardines, drained
2 eggs
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
½ teaspoon ground paprika
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can canned diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cumin

Steps:

  • Place sardines in a food processor; puree until smooth. Add eggs, bread crumbs, paprika, turmeric, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pulse briefly until well-combined. Shape mixture into small balls.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, coriander, and cumin. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer sauce until flavors combine, about 15 minutes. Stir in meatballs and simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 417.5 calories, Carbohydrate 21 g, Cholesterol 266.5 mg, Fat 27 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 24.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 777.6 mg, Sugar 6.7 g

MOROCCAN BEEF MEATBALL TAGINE



Moroccan Beef Meatball Tagine image

Provided by Jean Thiel Kelley

Categories     Garlic     Ginger     Onion     Bake     Sauté     Dinner     Raisin     Ground Beef     Saffron     Spinach     Cinnamon     Cilantro     Nutmeg     Chile Pepper     Breadcrumbs     Bon Appétit     Dairy Free

Yield Makes 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 29

Meatballs:
1 1/2 pounds ground beef (20% fat)
1/3 cup coarsely grated onion
1/3 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)*
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1 large egg, beaten to blend
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Stew:
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 1/2 cups chopped onions
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 cinnamon sticks
1 teaspoon turmeric
1/8 teaspoon saffron threads, crumbled
2 cups beef broth
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes in juice
1/4 cup golden raisins
2 cups 1/2-inch-thick carrot slices (cut on diagonal)
1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro plus additional for garnish
1 5-ounce package baby spinach leaves
Couscous with Fresh Cilantro and Lemon Juice
Lemon wedges (for garnish)

Steps:

  • For meatballs:
  • Line large rimmed baking sheet with plastic wrap. Gently mix all ingredients in large bowl. Using moistened hands and scant 2 tablespoonfuls for each, roll meat mixture into 1 1/2-inch meatballs. Arrange meatballs on sheet.
  • For stew:
  • Heat oil in heavy large ovenproof pot over medium heat. Add onions; sauté about 15 minutes. Add garlic, cinnamon, turmeric, and saffron; stir 2 minutes. Add broth, tomatoes with juice, and raisins.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Bring stew to simmer. Stir in carrots. Carefully add meatballs to stew; gently press into liquid to submerge. Sprinkle 1/4 cup cilantro over. Cover pot; place in oven. Bake until meatballs are cooked through and carrots are tender, about 35 minutes. Sprinkle spinach over stew. Cover and bake until spinach wilts, about 5 minutes longer. Gently stir to mix in spinach, being careful not to break meatballs. Remove cinnamon sticks. Season tagine with salt and pepper. Spoon couscous into bowls; top with tagine. Garnish with cilantro and lemons.
  • Available in the Asian foods section of some supermarkets and at Asian markets.

MOROCCAN SARDINE MEATBALLS



Moroccan Sardine Meatballs image

High in omega-3s, these are a healthier alternative to regular meatballs!

Provided by Seafood Nutrition Partnership

Categories     African Recipes

Time 35m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 15

1 (4 ounce) can sardines, drained
2 eggs
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
½ teaspoon ground paprika
½ teaspoon ground turmeric
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
salt and ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
¼ onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1 (14.5 ounce) can canned diced tomatoes
2 tablespoons ground coriander
½ teaspoon ground cumin

Steps:

  • Place sardines in a food processor; puree until smooth. Add eggs, bread crumbs, paprika, turmeric, ginger, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Pulse briefly until well-combined. Shape mixture into small balls.
  • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; cook and stir until fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, coriander, and cumin. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer sauce until flavors combine, about 15 minutes. Stir in meatballs and simmer until heated through, about 5 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 417.5 calories, Carbohydrate 21 g, Cholesterol 266.5 mg, Fat 27 g, Fiber 6.3 g, Protein 24.3 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 777.6 mg, Sugar 6.7 g

MOROCCAN MEATBALLS -- TAGINE KEFTA



Moroccan Meatballs -- Tagine Kefta image

I was taught how to make this recipe during a vacation in Morocco, where I was lucky enough to spend some time with the chef of a restaurant, Naima. In Morocco, people eat it straight out of the tagine with lots of bread to soak up the sauce but it also makes the best spaghetti and meatballs I've ever tasted! The key is to use the freshest, juciest tomatoes you can find. If you aren't lucky enough to have a tagine, you should be able to make this dish in a deep frying pan, as long as it has a cover. I think a non-stick pan would be best. One other thing, be careful of adding onions to this dish as they are very watery and will make the sauce runny. If you do add onions, you will probably have to let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes to reduce the sauce.

Provided by Sackville

Categories     Vegetable

Time 35m

Yield 2-3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 15

6 -8 medium tomatoes, cored and roughly chopped
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 -4 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup vegetable oil
400 g ground beef
1 tablespoon paprika
1 teaspoon cumin
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
3 -4 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 garlic cloves, minced
salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Steps:

  • Mix all the ingredients for the sauce together in the tagine, cover and let simmer gently over a medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  • Meanwhile, use your hands to mix the ingredients for the meatballs together and then roll the meat into small balls, about 1 inch round.
  • After the tomatoes have simmered for about 15 minutes, stir the sauce and add a little water if you feel it is needed.
  • Place the meatballs in the sauce.
  • Do not stir but just let them sit on top of the sauce.
  • Lower the heat, cover and cook for another 8-10 minutes. Uncover and let simmer another couple minutes if you feel the sauce needs thickening.
  • Serve with lots of crusty bread for dipping in the sauce or over spaghetti with parmesan cheese on top.
  • If you want to make these ahead of time and freeze them, leave the parsley out and place the meatballs in a rigid container like a tupperware dish before freezing.
  • To reheat, thaw in the fridge (you can do this overnight) and reheat on the stovetop over medium-low until bubbly. Add chopped parsley before serving.

Tips:

  • Prep the Sardines: Fresh sardines are best for this recipe, but canned sardines are a good substitute. If using fresh sardines, clean and descale them thoroughly before removing the bones.
  • Use a Food Processor: A food processor makes quick work of mincing the sardines and other ingredients. You can also use a mortar and pestle or finely chop everything by hand, but it will take longer.
  • Don't Overwork the Mixture: When combining the sardine mixture, avoid overmixing as this can make the meatballs tough.
  • Chill the Mixture: Chilling the sardine mixture for at least 30 minutes before cooking helps the meatballs hold their shape better.
  • Use a Meatball Scoop: A meatball scoop is a handy tool for forming the meatballs evenly. If you don't have one, use a spoon or your hands.
  • Pan-Fry the Meatballs: Pan-frying the meatballs creates a crispy outer layer while keeping the inside moist and tender.
  • Use a Saucepan for the Sauce: A saucepan is the best vessel for making the sauce as it allows for even heat distribution.
  • Simmer the Meatballs in the Sauce: Simmering the meatballs in the sauce infuses them with flavor and helps them cook through.
  • Garnish Before Serving: Garnish the finished dish with fresh herbs or lemon wedges for a pop of color and flavor.

Conclusion:

Moroccan sardine meatballs are a unique and flavorful dish that combines the best of Moroccan cuisine with the convenience of meatballs. Made with a mixture of sardines, spices, and herbs, these meatballs are pan-fried until golden brown and then simmered in a rich tomato sauce. Serve them with rice, couscous, or a side salad for a complete meal. These meatballs are not only delicious, but they are also a great way to enjoy sardines. Sardines are a nutritious fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and calcium. They are also a good source of vitamins B12 and D. This recipe is a great way to enjoy sardines in a new and exciting way. The meatballs are easy to make and can be tailored to your own taste preferences. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal that is both healthy and delicious, give Moroccan sardine meatballs a try!

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