Tunisian meatballs

Tunisian Meatballs Recipe - Delicious Beef and Spice Meatballs from Tunisia

Region / culture: Tunisia | Servings: 4

Introduction

Tunisian meatballs, also known as Kefta, are a delicious and flavorful dish that is popular in Tunisian cuisine. These meatballs are typically made with a combination of ground beef, bread crumbs, and a variety of spices and seasonings. They are then simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce until tender and juicy.

History

Tunisian meatballs have a long history in Tunisian cuisine and are a staple dish in many households. The recipe has been passed down through generations and has evolved over time to include different variations and ingredients. Tunisian meatballs are often served as a main course dish, accompanied by couscous or bread.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) of chopped beef
0.5 cup of bread crumbs
1 tbsp of chopped parsley
a dash of nutmeg
0.5 tsp of onion powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 egg, slightly beaten
For the sauce
0.5 cup of chopped onion
2 tomatoes, chopped
1 tbsp of chopped parsley
0.5 tsp of salt
a dash of saffron
a dash of cinnamon
a dash of pepper
0.5 cup of tomato juice

How to prepare

In a bowl, combine the meat, bread crumbs, parsley, nutmeg, onion powder, salt, pepper, egg, and water.
Shape the mixture into meatballs and broil until they turn golden brown.
Steam the tomatoes and onion.
In a pot, add the meatballs, steamed tomatoes, onions, and all the remaining seasonings. Pour in the tomato juice.
Cover the pot tightly and simmer gently for 30 minutes.

Variations

You can add chopped mint or cilantro to the meat mixture for added flavor.
You can use ground lamb or a combination of ground meats for a different flavor profile.
You can add chopped olives or raisins to the sauce for a sweet and savory twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to season the meat mixture well with a variety of spices to enhance the flavor of the meatballs.

- Be sure to cook the meatballs until they are golden brown on the outside to ensure they are cooked through.

- Simmer the meatballs gently in the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together and the meatballs to become tender.

Serving Suggestions

Tunisian meatballs can be served with couscous, rice, or bread. They can also be served with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Cooking Techniques

Broil the meatballs until they are golden brown on the outside.

- Steam the tomatoes and onions before adding them to the sauce.

- Simmer the meatballs gently in the sauce to allow the flavors to meld together.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.

- You can use gluten-free bread crumbs if you have a gluten intolerance.

- You can use canned diced tomatoes instead of fresh tomatoes.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the meat mixture and shape the meatballs ahead of time and refrigerate them until ready to cook. You can also prepare the sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve the Tunisian meatballs in a shallow bowl with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.

Pairing Recommendations

Tunisian meatballs pair well with a crisp white wine or a light beer. They also pair well with a side of tabbouleh or hummus.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Tunisian meatballs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of Tunisian meatballs contains approximately 300 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of Tunisian meatballs contains approximately 10 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of Tunisian meatballs contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of Tunisian meatballs contains approximately 20 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Tunisian meatballs are a good source of iron, vitamin C, and vitamin A.

Alergens

Tunisian meatballs contain wheat (bread crumbs) and eggs.

Summary

Tunisian meatballs are a nutritious and delicious dish that is high in protein and low in carbohydrates. They are a good source of vitamins and minerals and are a satisfying meal option.

Summary

Tunisian meatballs are a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With a combination of savory spices and a rich tomato sauce, these meatballs are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe repertoire. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was many years ago, when I was a young woman living in the bustling city of Tunis. I had always been passionate about cooking and loved experimenting with new recipes and flavors. One day, while browsing through the bustling market, I stumbled upon a small stall run by an elderly Tunisian woman. She was selling a variety of spices and herbs, and I couldn't resist the urge to strike up a conversation with her.

As we chatted, she mentioned that she was a renowned cook in her community and had a secret recipe for Tunisian meatballs that had been passed down through generations. My interest was piqued, and I begged her to share the recipe with me. She hesitated at first, but after some coaxing, she finally relented and whispered the ingredients and instructions into my ear.

I rushed home that day, my heart pounding with excitement. I couldn't wait to try out the recipe and see if it lived up to the hype. As I gathered the ingredients and started preparing the meatballs, I could already smell the tantalizing aroma wafting through my kitchen. The combination of cumin, coriander, and garlic filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.

After hours of simmering the meatballs in a rich tomato sauce, I finally tasted the finished dish. The flavors exploded on my taste buds, each bite a burst of savory and spicy goodness. The meatballs were tender and juicy, the sauce tangy and flavorful. I knew then and there that this recipe was something special.

Over the years, I perfected the recipe, tweaking it here and there to suit my own tastes. I added a pinch of cinnamon for warmth, a touch of harissa for heat, and a handful of fresh herbs for brightness. Each time I made the dish, it brought back memories of that fateful day in the market and the kind Tunisian woman who had shared her secret with me.

I soon became known in my own community as the "Tunisian meatball lady," and friends and family would flock to my house whenever they heard I was making the dish. It became a staple at all of our gatherings, a dish that brought people together and filled their bellies with warmth and comfort.

As the years passed, I continued to cook the Tunisian meatballs, passing the recipe down to my own children and grandchildren. It became a family tradition, a recipe that connected us to our Tunisian roots and to each other. Every time I made the dish, I felt a sense of pride and joy, knowing that I was carrying on a culinary legacy that had been handed down through generations.

And so, the recipe for Tunisian meatballs became more than just a dish to me. It became a symbol of my love for cooking, my passion for flavors, and my connection to the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that make up our world. It was a reminder that food has the power to bring people together, to create memories, and to nourish not just our bodies, but our souls as well.

And as I sit here now, with my grandchildren gathered around me, eagerly waiting for me to make a fresh batch of Tunisian meatballs, I can't help but smile. The recipe may have come from a chance encounter in a busy market many years ago, but the memories and traditions that it has created will last a lifetime. And for that, I am eternally grateful.