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moroccan meatball soup
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Moroccan Meatball Soup

This hearty soup boasts savory meatballs, aromatic vegetables, fresh spinach, and little pearls of tender couscous.
Course Appetizer, Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American, Moroccan
Keyword beef soup, couscous, meatball soup, meatballs, mint, moroccan cooking
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4
Calories 563kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

For the Meatballs

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1/2 cup diced red onion
  • 3-4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the Soup

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup chopped carrots
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Pinch of cinnamon
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 4 cups baby spinach leaves
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  • To make the meatballs, in a large bowl, combine the beef, onion, garlic, fresh parsley, mint, cumin, oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
  • Mix well and shape the mixture into 32 to 36 meatballs. Transfer the meatballs to the prepared pan and roast for 20 to 25 minutes, until browned and cooked through. If desired, halve the meatballs when they're cool enough to handle.
  • Heat the olive oil in a large stock pot or saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the carrots and celery and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until soft. Add the cumin and cinnamon and toss to coat. Cook for 30 seconds, until the spices are fragrant.
  • Add the broth and bring to a low boil. Add the couscous and cook for 3 minutes. Add the roasted meatballs and spinach and cook for 3 to 4 more minutes, until the couscous is tender.
  • Remove the pan from the heat and fold in the fresh cilantro and green onions. Season to taste with salt and black pepper and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 563kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 59g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 141mg | Sodium: 1118mg | Potassium: 1409mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 8560IU | Vitamin C: 17mg | Calcium: 127mg | Iron: 8mg