Parsley Meatballs with Spicy Tomato Sauce

This is marvelous, and a really nice change from the traditional beef balls. These juicy, tender parsley meatballs are remarkably good, packed with herbs and spices. If you want to make people happy, serve them with couscous and you’ll get the perfect crowd pleasing dish for dinner.

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Ingredients list for the meatballs

The meatballs:

• 1 3/4 lb (800g) ground beef
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 1 bunch italian parsley, rinsed and finely chopped
• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 bouillon cube, crumbled

The Sauce:

• One handful of small onions, peeled
• 1 tablespoon butter, 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

The spice mix:

• 1/2 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ginger powder, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/4 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Directions

1. In a large bowl, combine ground beef with chopped onion, a bit of garlic powder, crumbled bouillon cube and half the parsley and form small balls, the size of a walnut.

2. Heat butter and oil in a pot, brown the meatballs on all sides then add the small onions. Cook for 2 minutes then add tomato paste and mix well. Add diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes more. Add all the remaining spices—cumin, garlic, ginger and chili— for a good kick of heat. Finally add a small glass of water, cover and simmer for 25 to 30 minutes.

3. 10 minutes before the end of cooking time, add remaining parsley and adjust seasoning. Serve the meatballs with the sauce over couscous or bulgur with a sprinkling of parsley.

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com