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Authentic Algerian Tajine Mtewem with garlic meatballs, chickpeas, and almonds
Rebiai min eat

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 55 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 5 أشخاص
Course: main course
Cuisine: algerian, North African
Calories: 410
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • == For the Meat Chunks & Broth ==
  • 500 g 1.1 lbs lamb or beef chunks
  • 1 tbsp traditional smen clarified butter or extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion finely grated
  • 6 fresh garlic cloves minced
  • 1/2 cup pre-soaked chickpeas
  • 1/4 cup blanched slivered almonds for garnish
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • sea salt to taste
  • == For the Garlic Meatballs ==
  • 400 g 0.9 lbs ground beef or lamb
  • 6 fresh garlic cloves finely minced
  • 1 egg white or 1 small egg to bind the meatballs
  • 2 tbsp breadcrumbs optional, for tender meatballs
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • salt to taste

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.

Notes

📊 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.