Ground Meat Tagine with Eggs

GROUND MEAT TAGINE WITH EGGS: A DELICIOUS MOROCCAN RECIPE

Ground Meat Tagine with Eggs is a traditional Moroccan dish that combines tender, flavorful ground meat, aromatic spices, and rich eggs all cooked together in a tagine or a similar pot. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re planning a hearty family meal or preparing an impressive dinner for guests. The dish has a unique combination of savory, spicy, and slightly tangy flavors that make it stand out. Let’s walk through how to prepare this delightful Moroccan dish, ensuring you get the most authentic experience.

INGREDIENTS FOR GROUND MEAT TAGINE WITH EGGS

To make a truly authentic Ground Meat Tagine with Eggs, you’ll need a few key ingredients that will bring the flavors to life. Here is a list of everything you’ll need to prepare this dish:

GROUND MEAT

• 1 lb (450g) of ground beef or lamb – Lamb is often used in Moroccan tagines, but beef is a great alternative if you prefer it.
• 1 large onion, finely chopped – This adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced – A must for flavor in any tagine!
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil – For sautéing and adding richness.
• Salt and pepper – To taste.

SPICES

• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin – Cumin is essential for that distinct earthy flavor in Moroccan cuisine.
• 1 teaspoon of ground paprika – Adds smokiness and a bit of heat.
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon – A hint of cinnamon pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon of ground turmeric – Adds color and an additional layer of flavor.
• A pinch of cayenne pepper – For those who like their tagine with a little heat.
• 1 tablespoon of ground ginger – A warm, aromatic spice often used in Moroccan dishes.

LIQUIDS AND ADDITIONS

• 1 can (14 oz) of diced tomatoes – Tomatoes provide the base for the sauce and give the dish a slightly tangy flavor.
• 1/2 cup of chicken broth or water – To help create a rich, flavorful sauce.
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste – This deepens the tomato flavor and adds richness.
• Fresh cilantro or parsley – For garnish.
• 4 large eggs – These will be poached in the sauce, adding richness and creaminess to the dish.

HOW TO MAKE GROUND MEAT TAGINE WITH EGGS

Making Ground Meat Tagine with Eggs is a straightforward process that will leave you with a delicious dish perfect for any occasion. Here’s how to make it:

STEP 1: PREPARE YOUR INGREDIENTS

Before you begin cooking, it’s important to have all your ingredients prepared and within reach. Finely chop the onion and garlic, and measure out the spices. You’ll also want to have your ground meat ready to go. If you are using lamb, make sure it’s well ground for easy cooking.

STEP 2: SAUTÉ THE ONION AND GARLIC

Heat the olive oil in a large pan or a tagine over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan and sauté until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. The garlic will start to release its aroma, and the onions should take on a slightly golden color.

STEP 3: BROWN THE GROUND MEAT

Next, add the ground beef or lamb to the pan. Break it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks, making sure it’s evenly browned. You’ll want the meat to be well-cooked before moving on to the next step. Once the meat is browned, season it with salt, pepper, cumin, paprika, cinnamon, turmeric, cayenne, and ginger. Stir everything together, ensuring that the meat is coated with the spices. This is where the flavor base is developed.

STEP 4: ADD THE TOMATOES AND BROTH

Once the meat is well-seasoned, it’s time to add the tomatoes. Add the diced tomatoes and tomato paste to the pan, stirring to combine. Pour in the chicken broth or water, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Lower the heat and let the sauce cook for about 15-20 minutes. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the sauce will begin to thicken.

STEP 5: POACH THE EGGS

After the sauce has thickened, create small wells in the meat mixture for the eggs. Crack the eggs directly into the wells, making sure to space them out evenly. Cover the pan or tagine with a lid and allow the eggs to poach in the sauce for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll want the whites to set while the yolks remain slightly runny, but you can cook them longer if you prefer firmer yolks.

STEP 6: GARNISH AND SERVE

Once the eggs are cooked to your liking, remove the tagine from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or parsley. Serve the Ground Meat Tagine with Eggs with warm crusty bread or couscous to soak up the rich sauce. Enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish with your family or guests!

TIPS FOR MAKING THE BEST GROUND MEAT TAGINE WITH EGGS

CHOICE OF MEAT

While lamb is traditionally used in Moroccan tagines, you can substitute it with beef, chicken, or even ground turkey. The key is to use a meat that has enough fat to stay tender while cooking.

SPICE ADJUSTMENTS

Feel free to adjust the spices according to your preferences. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can reduce the amount of cayenne pepper and turmeric. If you love bold flavors, add more cumin or cinnamon for an extra punch.

ADDITIONAL VEGETABLES

You can add vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots to the tagine to make the dish more filling. These can be added after sautéing the onions and garlic for extra flavor.

USING A TAGINE

If you have a traditional tagine, it adds authenticity to the dish. However, a large pot or Dutch oven works just as well if you don’t have one. The key is to cook the ingredients slowly to allow the flavors to develop fully.

GROUND MEAT TAGINE WITH EGGS VARIATIONS

This recipe is quite versatile. You can add olives, raisins, or almonds for a different texture and flavor. Some variations also use preserved lemons for a tangy twist.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE GROUND MEAT TAGINE WITH EGGS

Ground Meat Tagine with Eggs is a flavorful, hearty dish that brings the best of Moroccan cuisine to your kitchen. The combination of tender, spiced meat, creamy eggs, and aromatic herbs creates a dish that’s perfect for any time of year. Whether you enjoy it on a cozy winter night or as a festive dish for special occasions, this tagine is sure to impress. It’s easy to make, and the flavors are rich and satisfying, making it a great choice for anyone looking to explore Moroccan cuisine at home.