Chicken Or Turkey Meatballs Moroccan Style Recipes

MOROCCAN MEATBALLS

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.

SLOW-COOKER MOROCCAN TURKEY MEATBALLS

Steps:

• Combine the tomatoes, chicken broth, apricots, onion and butter in a 7-to-8-quart slow cooker. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon molasses, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon pie spice, the lemon juice, 3/4 cup cilantro, 1/2 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Cover and set on high.
• Combine the turkey, breadcrumbs, creme fraiche, parsley and the remaining 1/4 cup cilantro, 1 minced garlic clove, 2 teaspoons paprika and 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice in a large bowl. Add the cayenne, 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of black pepper and mix with a spoon or your hands. Dampen your hands and form the mixture into about 32 meatballs, 1 1/2 inches each. Place the meatballs in a single layer in the slow cooker, nestling them in the sauce. Cover and cook on high, 3 hours.
• Just before serving, drizzle the meatballs with the remaining 1 tablespoon pomegranate molasses. Sprinkle with pomegranate seeds and scallions.

MOROCCAN-SPICED CHICKEN MEATBALLS

Steps:

• First, make the yogurt sauce: Combine 1 cup of the yogurt, 1 teaspoon of the garlic, the lemon juice, 1/4 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste in a small bowl. Mix well, and chill until ready to use.
• Make the meatballs: In a large bowl, combine the remaining 1/3 cup yogurt, remaining 1 tablespoon garlic, chicken, panko, egg, parsley, olive oil, sugar, paprika, cumin, ginger, cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and a few generous grinds of black pepper. Mix gently but thoroughly, until incorporated. Using an ice cream scoop or two spoons, form meatballs about 1 1/2-inches in diameter, then place them on a plate or sheet pan until ready to use.
• In a large skillet, heat 1/8-inch olive oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, fry the meatballs in batches, flipping occasionally, until browned all over and cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. (If the meatballs begin browning too quickly or the oil begins smoking, lower the heat.) Transfer the cooked meatballs to a paper towel-lined plate.
• To serve, spread the yogurt sauce in an even layer on a flat platter. Arrange the meatballs on top, and top with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and the pine nuts, if using. Serve hot.

CHICKEN OR TURKEY MEATBALLS (MOROCCAN STYLE)

Steps:

• Mix parsley, onion, & spices with the ground chicken (or turkey). Make sure it is well blended so that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
• Make 1 inch balls flattened to about 1/2 inch thickness.
• Optional: Dip the balls into the flour until coated. (The ones in the picture have been made this way).
• Pour enough oil to just cover the bottom of the frying pan, heat on medium heat.
• Place the balls into the heated oil. Turn frequently so they do not burn on the sides. Cook until they are done all the way through.
• Optional: To eat Moroccan style, use pieces of a thick bread to break off chunks of meatball. Pop into mouth & enjoy. (No utensils).