Algerian Kefta (Meatballs)

Method9 steps · about 1 hr

1. 1

   Step 1: Put the 1 lb lean ground beef in a large bowl. Add only 2 of the 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp of the chopped onion. Mix by hand until evenly combined; reserve the other 2 garlic cloves and 3 tbsp onion for the sauce.

   Uses 1 lb lean ground beef · 2 of the 4 minced garlic cloves for the meat mixture · 1 tbsp of the total ¼ cup chopped onion for the meat mixture

2. 2

   Step 2: Shape the mixed beef into 12–14 small oblong patties about 1½ inches (4 cm) long.

   Uses Complete mixed beef supply

3. 3

   Step 3: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the shaped patties in batches, turning to cook both sides, for about 10 minutes per batch. Cook until crisp outside and the centre reaches 71°C (160°F) on a food thermometer; browning alone is not a doneness test.

   Uses All 12–14 shaped patties, cooked in batches

4. 4

   Step 4: Transfer the fully cooked patties to a rimmed serving dish and keep warm. Leave the cooking drippings in the skillet for the sauce.

   Uses All cooked patties, set aside

5. 5

   Step 5: Reduce the same skillet to medium heat. Add only the remaining 3 tbsp chopped onion to the meat drippings and season with salt and ground black pepper to taste.

   Uses Same cooking drippings, retained in the pan · Remaining 3 tbsp of the original ¼ cup chopped onion · Salt to taste; amount not specified · Ground black pepper to taste; amount not specified

6. 6

   Step 6: Cook the onion in the drippings, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until translucent and soft. Add only the remaining 2 minced garlic cloves and stir for 30 seconds.

   Uses Same onion already added to the drippings · Remaining 2 minced garlic cloves

7. 7

   Step 7: Stir the 3 diced Roma tomatoes, 1 tsp dried parsley and optional ½ tsp ras el hanout into the cooked onion and garlic. Pour in the ½ cup water and stir to combine.

   Uses Same complete cooked sauce base · 3 diced Roma tomatoes · 1 tsp dried parsley · ½ tsp ras el hanout, if using · ½ cup water

8. 8

   Step 8: Simmer the combined tomato sauce for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the tomatoes are soft.

   Soften tomatoes in the sauce · 5 minUses Complete tomato sauce after adding its water and spices

9. 9

   Step 9: Pour the finished tomato sauce over the reserved cooked meatballs and serve.

   Uses All finished sauce · All reserved cooked meatballs