Homemade Moroccan Pasta Sauce Recipe with Mini Meatballs

By
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih
Christine Benlafquih is a freelance writer and cooking class instructor with a background in Moroccan cuisine.
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Updated on 08/8/19
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Photo © Christine Benlafquih
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 60 mins
Total: 80 mins
Servings: 6 to 8 servings

Fresh ripe tomatoes, garlic, parsley, cilantro, and paprika and cumin are usually key to Moroccan pasta sauce, with common variations including the addition of cinnamon, hot peppers, or even chickpeas. The pasta dish itself is often topped with grated Edam cheese. 

The basic Moroccan pasta sauce recipe below will yield 4 to 5 cups of zesty sauce, enough for up to 1 kilogram (about 2 pounds) of spaghetti or pasta. Marble-sized kefta meatballs are a classic but optional addition. If your kids are unfamiliar with Moroccan food, they'll love these mini meatballs!

If you're in a hurry and don't want to take time to stew tomatoes, replace the fresh tomatoes with an additional 280 grams (12 ounces) tomato paste, thinned with water to tomato sauce consistency.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 kilograms (about 3 pounds) of ripe tomatoes
  • 140 grams (6 ounces) tomato paste
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 medium onion (chopped)
  • 4 to 5 cloves of garlic (pressed)
  • 1/4 cup parsley (fresh, chopped, divided)
  • 2 teaspoons salt
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon turmeric
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper (or black pepper) to taste
  • Opional: 1 bay leaf
  • For the Kefta Meatballs:
  • 1/2 kg (1 lb.) ground beef
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 clove garlic (pressed)
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons parsley (chopped)

Steps to Make It

To Make the Meatballs

  1. Blend the ground beef, spices, garlic, and parsley.

  2. Knead the mixture well, and shape it into tiny meatballs the size of marbles. Set aside.

To Make the Sauce

  1. Peel, seed and chop the tomatoes. (OR you can quarter the tomatoes and stew them, covered, in about 1/4 cup of water for about 5 to 8 minutes, until the skin pulls off.

  2. Pass the tomatoes through a food mill, discarding the skin and seeds.)

  3. In a large, deep skillet or wide pot, heat the vegetable over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and saute gently just until the garlic is fragrant; be careful not to burn the garlic.

  4. Add the stewed or chopped tomatoes, the spices and about half of the parsley (reserve the rest of the parsley to add at the end of cooking).

  5. Mix the tomato paste with enough water to make a sauce and add it to the pot. Stir to blend, and bring the sauce to a simmer.

  6. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the sauce is reduced and thick, about 30 to 40 minutes. If the tomatoes were chopped instead of stewed, mash them with the back of the spoon as they cook.

  7. Taste and adjust the seasoning, and add the meatballs and remaining parsley.

  8. Simmer for a few minutes longer, or just until the meatballs are cooked through.

  9. Remove from the heat and serve over spaghetti or another pasta of your choice. 

Nutrition Facts (per serving)
329 Calories
15g Fat
28g Carbs
23g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 to 8
Amount per serving
Calories 329
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 15g 19%
Saturated Fat 3g 17%
Cholesterol 56mg 19%
Sodium 669mg 29%
Total Carbohydrate 28g 10%
Dietary Fiber 6g 21%
Protein 23g
Calcium 157mg 12%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)