Moroccan Meatballs over Couscous

If you are craving something with a bit of an exotic flavor or a comforting meal - this is a good go to recipe! There are also a couple different ways you can get creative:

1. Substitute the couscous. Israeli couscous would be a great substitute since the grains are bigger but I used what I had on hand.
2. Modify the sauce - this is your perfect "I have ___ that is/are about to go bad so I will throw it in" or experiment with some flavors like golden raisins or dried apricots.

You will have three easy components to this meal. I recommend starting with the meatballs and then move on to the couscous and the sauce.

• Meatballs
• About 2 lbs of your choice of meat. I used ground beef, which had a similar fat and flavor profile to lamb (without the gamey taste that I do not enjoy). 80/20 was on special that week so that is what I used.
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup of steel cut oat
• 1 small minced onion
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2-3 tablespoons cumin
• 1-2 tablespoons coriander
• 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper (add more for extra kick)
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• Salt
• Couscous
• Cook as directed by package. I always cook my couscous in broth rather than water to add extra flavor.
• Sauce
• 1 (14 oz) can of diced tomatoes or fresh diced tomatoes with liquid
• 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 small minced onion
• Olive oil (about 1-1/2 tablespoons)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 3/4 teaspoon ground coriander
• Fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper, to taste

To make the meatballs, add all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Portion and roll into balls. Cook to desired temperature, for 9 equal sized balls about 2-3" inches in diameter, cook at 400 degrees for 18 minutes on a metal cookie sheet. After putting the meatballs in the oven, take a pot or large sauce pan and saute garlic and onion in olive oil. Once fragrant (or onion transparent), add diced tomatoes with liquid and stock. Reduce heat to simmer. Add spices and taste. Reduce by continuing to cook, if you want a thicker sauce or turn off heat and add fresh parsley. Serve meatballs over couscous with desired amount of sauce.