Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

Steps to make Mini Moroccan Meatball Soup with Couscous

1. 1

   Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet

   5min
   

   Set a rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 375 ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.

2. 2

   Make meatballs: Combine spices

   1min
   

   In a medium bowl, combine 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon curry powder, ¼ teaspoon ground turmeric, ¼ teaspoon chili powder, ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper and mix to combine.

4. 3

   Add tomato paste and ground meat

   2min
   

   Add in 2 tablespoons tomato paste and 1 ½ pounds ground meat and mix until just combined.

5. 4

   Shape meatballs

   5min
   

   Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the meatball mixture, roll it into a small ball, and place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining meatball mixture.

6. 5

   Bake meatballs

   10min
   

   Bake the meatballs for 10-12 minutes or until golden and cooked through.

7. 6

   Toast couscous

   2min
   

   Meanwhile, heat a small drizzle of oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add 8 ounces pearl couscous and allow it to toast, stirring, about 1-2 minutes. It should smell toasty.

8. 7

   Add water and salt

   10min
   

   Pour in 1 ¾ cups of water and add a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, let the couscous cook, covered, for 8-10 minutes or until it absorbs all the water.

9. 8

   Make soup: Cook shallots

   2min
   

   In a Dutch oven or large soup pot over medium-high heat, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add 3 minced shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.

10. 9

    Add garlic

    1min
    

    Add 8 minced garlic cloves and sauté for another 30 seconds.

11. 10

    Add broth and water

    1min
    

    Pour in 4 cups chicken broth and 2 cups water and bring to a boil.

12. 11

    Add meatballs and couscous

    10min
    

    Reduce the heat to low, and add in the meatballs and couscous. Simmer for 10 minutes. Taste and adjust with seasonings if needed.

13. 12

    Serve
    

    Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh mint or parsley.