Authentic Algerian Tajine Mtewem Recipe

Authentic Algerian Tajine Mtewem with garlic meatballs, chickpeas, and almonds

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Authentic Algerian Tajine Mtewem Recipe

An authentic Algerian garlic meatballs tajine slow-cooked with tender meat, chickpeas, and cumin in a rich sauce topped with toasted almonds.

طباعة الوصفة Pin Recipe

مدة الإعداد 20

مدة الطبخ 55

الوقت الكلي 1 15

الحصص: 5 أشخاص

وجبة: main course

مطبخ: algerian, North African

الكالوري: 410

المقادير Method ملاحظات

المقادير

For the Meat Chunks & Broth:Meat: 500g (1.1 lbs) lamb or beef chunksSmen or Butter: 1 tbsp traditional smen (clarified butter) or extra virgin olive oilOnion: 1 small yellow onion, finely gratedGarlic: 6 fresh garlic cloves, mincedChickpeas: ½ cup pre-soaked chickpeasAlmonds: ¼ cup blanched slivered almonds (for garnish)Spices: 1 tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp black pepper, and sea salt to taste

For the Garlic Meatballs:Ground Meat: 400g (0.9 lbs) ground beef or lambGarlic: 6 fresh garlic cloves, finely mincedEgg: 1 egg white or 1 small egg (to bind the meatballs)Breadcrumbs: 2 tbsp breadcrumbs (optional, for tender meatballs)Spices: ½ tsp ground cumin, ½ tsp black pepper, and salt

Method

Step 1: Sear the Meat & Prepare the Base In a heavy-bottomed pot or traditional tajine, heat the smen over medium heat. Add the meat chunks and sear for 5–7 minutes until lightly browned on all sides. Add the grated onion, minced garlic, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Sauté for 3 minutes until fragrant.
Step 2: Simmer the Stew Pour in about 2.5 cups of warm water (enough to cover the meat chunks). Add the soaked chickpeas, cover with a lid, and simmer on medium-low heat for 35–40 minutes until the meat becomes tender.
Step 3: Shape the Garlic Meatballs In a bowl, combine the ground meat, minced garlic, egg, cumin, black pepper, and salt. Mix thoroughly with your hands and roll the mixture into small, walnut-sized meatballs.
Step 4: Cook Meatballs & Thicken Sauce Gently drop the meatballs into the simmering broth alongside the tender meat chunks. Cover and cook on low heat for 15–20 minutes until the meatballs are completely cooked through and the sauce thickens.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve In a small pan, lightly toast the slivered almonds in a touch of butter until golden brown. Transfer your finished dish to a platter, top with the toasted almonds, and serve hot.

ملاحظات

📊 Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories (السعرات الحرارية): 410 kcal

Carbohydrates (الكربوهيدرات): 9 g

Protein (البروتين): 42 g

Fat (الدهون): 23 g

Saturated Fat (الدهون المشبعة): 8 g

Cholesterol (الكوليسترول): 125 mg

Sodium (الصوديوم): 580 mg

Fiber (الألياف): 2.5 g

Sugar (السكريات): 1.5 g

Garlic is the Star: The word "Mtewem" comes from "Thoum" (garlic in Arabic). Generous amounts of garlic combined with cumin give this dish its authentic signature flavor and aroma.

Tender Meatballs: Do not over-mix or over-cook the meatballs; adding an egg white and a touch of breadcrumbs ensures they stay soft, juicy, and tender in the rich broth.