Tagine of Spicy Kefta (Meatballs) and Vegetables

Ingredients

• For the Meatballs

• 1 pound ground lean beef (I used grass fed)
• 1/2 pound ground lamb
• 1/3 cup grated onion
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• 1/4 cup finely minced cilantro (if you don’t like cilantro, you could use parsley)
• 1 teaspoon each – cinnamon, cumin, coriander and kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon dried mint
• 1/2 teaspoon each cayenne and black pepper

• For the Rest

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups chopped onion
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red chili thinly sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon turmeric
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon coriander
• 1/4 teaspoon saffron threads (a good pinch)
• 1 cup reduced sodium beef broth
• 1 cup diced tomatoes (canned is a – ok)
• 1/4 cup golden raisins
• 1 cup thickly sliced carrot (about 1 inch cut on the diagonal)
• 1 head cauliflower, broken into florets ( I used yellow cauliflower, I don’t think it really tastes all that different, but it’s pretty)
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, plus additional for the garnish
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint, plus additional for the garnish
• 5 ounces baby spinach leaves, cleaned well, tough stems removed
• I/2 of a lemon, thinly sliced, pits removed
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts, optional but good!

Method

Step 1

Make the meatballs

Step 2

Heat oven to 350º F.

Step 3

In a saute pan, add the oil and butter, when hot, add the onions. Sauté until they are slightly browned ; add the garlic and chili. Sauté a few minutes more. Add the cinnamon stick and additional spices; sauté 1 minute then add the raisins, carrots, cauliflower, beef broth, tomatoes, cilantro and mint. Bring to a simmer. Turn off heat and set-aside.

Step 4

If using a tagine, layer the meatballs on the bottom then pour the vegetable mixture over; cover with the cone and place in the oven. If not using a tagine, you can use any heavy pot with a good fitting lid. You may have to add a bit more liquid.

Step 5

Place in the oven for 40 to 45 minutes; open and put the spinach on top along with the sliced lemon; close and cook 5 minutes more

Step 6

Remove from oven, stir gently and add the pine nuts. Serve over couscous or basmati rice.