Pasta Kefta

Pasta Kefta is a delightful Moroccan dish that marries the rich flavors of spiced meatballs with comforting pasta, topped with a fragrant tomato sauce. It's a perfect fusion meal that brings together the best of both worlds for a satisfying dining experience.

Pasta Kefta
30 minutes
Difficulty: Medium
Moroccan
650 kcal

Ingredients

  • Pasta (spaghetti or linguine) - 200 grams
  • Ground beef or lamb - 250 grams
  • Onion (finely chopped) - 1 medium
  • Garlic (minced) - 2 cloves
  • Fresh parsley (chopped) - 2 tablespoons
  • Cumin powder - 1 teaspoon
  • Paprika - 1 teaspoon
  • Salt - 1/2 teaspoon
  • Black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Olive oil - 2 tablespoons
  • Canned diced tomatoes - 400 grams
  • Tomato paste - 2 tablespoons
  • Water - 200 ml
  • Chili flakes (optional) - 1/4 teaspoon
  • Lemon juice - 1 tablespoon

Steps

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine ground beef or lamb with finely chopped onion, minced garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and form into small meatballs, about 2.5 cm in diameter.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the meatballs and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, add canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and water. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
  4. Return the meatballs to the skillet, cover, and let simmer for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
  5. While the meatballs are simmering, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  6. Once the meatballs are cooked, add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine. If using, add chili flakes for a bit of heat.
  7. Drizzle with lemon juice before serving and garnish with additional chopped parsley if desired.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 650
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Carbs: 70 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Cholesterol: 80 mg
  • Total Fat: 25 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
  • Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

  • Rich in protein from the meat, aiding in muscle repair and growth.
  • Contains fiber from the pasta and tomatoes, supporting digestive health.

Tags

MoroccanHalalPasta Dish