Transport your taste buds to the vibrant streets of Morocco with these mouthwatering Moroccan Meatballs bathed in a luxurious saffron butter sauce! This dish not only promises a symphony of flavors but also brings a touch of exotic elegance to your dinner table. With just 40 minutes of your time, you can create a meal that will leave your guests raving and asking for seconds. Ready to impress? Let’s dive into this easy yet impressive recipe that will have everyone wondering if you’ve been hiding culinary secrets all along!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Moroccan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 pinch saffron
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, egg, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly using your hands until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Shape the meat mixture into uniform meatballs, approximately
- 5 inches in diameter. Aim to create about 12-16 meatballs depending on your preferred size.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Do not add oil, as the beef will release its own fat for cooking.
- Carefully place the meatballs in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, rotating to achieve an even golden-brown crust.
- Remove the browned meatballs and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add butter. Allow butter to melt completely and start to foam.
- Crush the saffron threads between your fingers and add to the chicken broth, allowing it to steep for 2-3 minutes to release its full flavor and color.
- Pour the saffron-infused chicken broth into the butter, creating a rich, golden sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Return the meatballs to the skillet, spooning the saffron butter sauce over them. Simmer for an additional 5-7 minutes to ensure meatballs are fully cooked and sauce is slightly reduced.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro if desired. The meatballs can be accompanied by couscous, rice, or warm pita bread.
Tips
- Mix with Care: When combining the meatball ingredients, avoid overmixing to keep the meatballs tender. Just mix until everything is incorporated.
- Uniform Size: For even cooking, shape your meatballs to be uniform in size, about
- 5 inches in diameter. This ensures they cook evenly and look appealing on the plate.
- Don’t Overcrowd: When cooking the meatballs, give them space in the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, which affects flavor and texture.
- Saffron Steeping: To maximize the flavor and color of the saffron, make sure to steep it in the chicken broth for a few minutes before adding it to the sauce. This step is crucial for that rich, aromatic experience.
- Serving Suggestions: These meatballs are delightful on their own, but serve them with fluffy couscous, fragrant rice, or warm pita bread to soak up the delicious saffron butter sauce.
- Garnish for Flair: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or cilantro not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor profile. Don’t skip this final touch!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 351kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 23g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 132mg
